Barefoot Contessa Pear and Blue Cheese Salad 

Pear and Blue Cheese Salad has always held a special place at my table—especially after a sunny summer afternoon when I tossed it together for an impromptu patio lunch with friends. The result? A crisp, creamy, tangy blend that quickly became a seasonal favorite. My take on this elegant pear and blue cheese salad with toasted walnuts and honey-lemon vinaigrette brings sweet fruit, sharp cheese, and nutty crunch into perfect balance. I love using bold flavors in simple ways—that’s my signature.

Whether you’re planning an easy summer pear salad for a dinner party, wondering how to make pear and blue cheese salad at home, or need healthy salad ideas, this version will quickly become your new favorite.

Your New Favorite, Here’s Why

• ✅ Only 10 minutes from prep to plate
• ✅ Ideal for fall, holiday gatherings, or everyday meals
• ✅ Flexible ingredients – customize to your taste or dietary needs
• ✅ Elegant enough for guests, easy enough for lunch
• ✅ Packed with fiber, antioxidants, and healthy fats

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Ingredients for Pear and Blue Cheese Salad

Here’s everything you need to build this refreshing salad:

For the Salad:

• 6 cups mixed greens (arugula, spinach, or mesclun mix)
• 2 ripe pears, thinly sliced
• ½ cup crumbled blue cheese (Roquefort or Gorgonzola work beautifully)
• ½ cup toasted walnuts or pecans
• ¼ cup dried cranberries (optional but delicious)

For the Honey-Lemon Vinaigrette:

• ¼ cup fresh lemon juice (about 2 lemons)
• ¼ cup olive oil
• 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
• 1 tablespoon honey
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

Optional Ingredient Swaps:

• Substitute goat cheese for blue cheese if you prefer a milder taste
• Use sunflower seeds instead of nuts for a nut-free option
• Swap honey for maple syrup to make the vinaigrette vegan

How to Make Pear and Blue Cheese Salad – Step by Step

Creating this gourmet salad is as easy as 1–2–3. Follow these steps for foolproof results:

Step 1: Make the Vinaigrette

In a small bowl, whisk together:

• Lemon juice
• Dijon mustard
• Honey
• Salt and pepper

👉 While whisking continuously, slowly drizzle in the olive oil to emulsify the dressing.
Set aside.

Step 2: Assemble the Salad

On a large platter or in a salad bowl:

• Layer the mixed greens as a base
• Top with sliced pears
• Add crumbled blue cheese
• Sprinkle with toasted walnuts or pecans
• Optionally, toss in dried cranberries

Step 3: Dress and Toss

• Drizzle the vinaigrette evenly over the salad
• Gently toss to coat every bite
• Garnish with a few extra pear slices or blue cheese crumbles for a beautiful finish

Pro Tips for Making the Best Pear and Blue Cheese Salad

• 🍐 Choose ripe but firm pears (like Bosc or Anjou) for the best texture
• 🧀 Chill your blue cheese before crumbling for cleaner, more even chunks
• 🌰 Toast the nuts in a dry skillet for 3–4 minutes to enhance flavor
• 🥄 Make vinaigrette in a mason jar and shake vigorously for a foolproof emulsion
• 🥗 Serve immediately after tossing to keep greens crisp

Best Ways to Serve Pear and Blue Cheese Salad

This salad pairs perfectly with:

• 🍞 Crusty artisan bread or warm baguette
• 🍗 As a starter for roasted chicken
• 🍲 Alongside a hearty soup like butternut squash or French onion

The best way to serve Pear and Blue Cheese Salad is chilled, plated individually for elegance, or in a large family-style bowl for casual dining.

Nutritional Information for Pear and Blue Cheese Salad

Here’s a snapshot of what you’re eating (per serving):

• Calories: 270 kcal
• Carbohydrates: 20g
• Protein: 6g
• Fat: 19g
• Fiber: 4g
• Sugars: 13g

💚 Gluten-Free, with options for vegan and nut-free adaptations!

Storage & Leftovers

How long does Pear and Blue Cheese Salad last in the fridge?
👉 Up to 2 days, undressed.

For best results:

• Store greens, toppings, and vinaigrette separately in airtight containers
• Do not pre-toss the salad if storing for later
• Add pears just before serving to avoid browning

Reheating tips:
Not applicable—this salad is best served cold!

Kitchen Questions, Solved

Can I make Pear and Blue Cheese Salad ahead of time?

Yes! Prep ingredients and vinaigrette separately. Assemble just before serving.

What’s the best cheese substitute for blue cheese?

Goat cheese or feta are great alternatives with creamy texture and tang.

Which pears are best for this salad?

Bosc, Bartlett, or Anjou—just make sure they’re ripe but firm.

Can I make this salad vegan?

Absolutely—use maple syrup instead of honey and skip or swap the cheese.

More Tasty Ideas to Explore

If you loved this Pear and Blue Cheese Salad, you’ll enjoy:

• Keto Zucchini Bread Recipe | Low-Carb Snack Idea
• Salsa Verde Grilled Chicken | Cheesy Weeknight Dinner
• Chicken Pecan Cranberry Salad Recipe – Easy Snack

Savor the Ending

There you have it—an easy yet elegant Pear and Blue Cheese Salad that’s bursting with flavor, texture, and freshness. It’s the kind of recipe you’ll return to again and again, whether for weeknight meals, dinner parties, or holiday spreads.

Now you know how to make the best Pear and Blue Cheese Salad at home.
💬 Have you tried it? Leave a comment below and tell us how it turned out!
📸 Don’t forget to pin this refreshing salad !