If you’re looking for a salad that dances beautifully between sweet, savory, and crunchy, then you absolutely must try this Pear And Gorgonzola Salad With Candied Pecans. It’s a sensational combination that feels fancy but comes together with such ease — ripe pears provide a juicy freshness, the crumbly and tangy gorgonzola cheese adds creamy depth, while the candied pecans lend a perfectly sweet crunch. Every bite is a joyful celebration of flavors and textures that will make this salad your new favorite go-to dish for any season.

Pear And Gorgonzola Salad With Candied Pecans Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gathering simple, fresh ingredients is the first step to creating an unforgettable Pear And Gorgonzola Salad With Candied Pecans. Each ingredient contributes its own magic, from the aromatic thyme in the dressing to the luscious, crisp pears that bring it all to life.

Olive oil (6 Tablespoons): A smooth base for the dressing that adds richness without overpowering.
White balsamic vinegar (3 Tablespoons): Brings just the right touch of acidity and subtle sweetness to balance the salad.
Dijon mustard (1/4 teaspoon): Adds a hint of sharpness that helps emulsify and brighten the dressing.
Fresh chopped thyme (1 teaspoon): Infuses an earthy, herbaceous note that pairs wonderfully with the cheese and pear.
Salt and pepper (pinch to taste): Simple seasonings that enhance all the flavors perfectly.
Sugar or honey (1/4 teaspoon): Just a touch to sweeten and balance the tangy dressing.
Lime or lemon juice (1-2 teaspoons): Adds a fresh, citrusy brightness that lifts the entire salad.
Pecans (1/2 cup): The star for crunchiness, which we’ll turn into irresistible candied pecans.
Sugar (1 1/2 Tablespoons): Used to candy the pecans, creating that delightful sweet coating.
Cayenne (pinch, optional): Introduces a gentle kick to contrast the sweetness, making the pecans even more complex.
Field greens (8 cups): A fresh, crisp base that’s mild in flavor and vibrant in color.
Gorgonzola cheese (4 ounces, crumbled): Brings a creamy, piquant boldness that is the heart of this salad.
Pear (1 ripe, thinly sliced): Juicy and sweet, providing a lovely contrast to the savory and crunchy elements.

How to Make Pear And Gorgonzola Salad With Candied Pecans

Step 1: Prepare the Dressing

Start by whisking together olive oil, white balsamic vinegar, Dijon mustard, fresh thyme, sugar or honey, and lime juice in a bowl. Season with salt and pepper to taste and continue whisking until smooth and emulsified. This dressing is the perfect balance between sweet, tangy, and herbaceous, setting the tone for the entire salad.

Step 2: Candy the Pecans

Place the sugar and pecans in a pan over medium heat. As the sugar begins to melt, gently shake the pan and stir so the pecans become evenly coated. Add a pinch of cayenne if you want to add a subtle heat that contrasts beautifully with the sweetness. When the sugar turns a rich caramel color, immediately turn off the heat and transfer the nuts onto a cookie sheet to cool. Once cool, break the pecans into bite-sized pieces that will add irresistible crunch.

Step 3: Assemble the Salad

Divide the field greens evenly across four plates. Artfully arrange the thinly sliced pear quarters on top, then sprinkle the crumbled gorgonzola generously over the salad. Scatter the candied pecans last to maintain their crunch. Finish by drizzling the freshly whisked dressing over each plate just before serving to keep everything vibrant and fresh.

How to Serve Pear And Gorgonzola Salad With Candied Pecans

Garnishes

Fresh herbs like a few thyme sprigs or even chopped chives can elevate the look and flavor of your Pear And Gorgonzola Salad With Candied Pecans. A light dusting of cracked black pepper or a few extra pecan pieces on top will entice both eyes and palate alike.

Side Dishes

This salad pairs beautifully with light mains such as roasted chicken, grilled salmon, or even a vegetable quiche. Its refreshing flavors and textured contrasts complement hearty dishes without overwhelming them, making it a brilliant addition to any meal.

Creative Ways to Present

Try serving this salad in chilled glass bowls for an elegant touch, or pile it high in rustic wooden bowls for a cozy, casual feel. You can even arrange the components on a large platter for a shareable, family-style experience. Little details like edible flowers or thin lemon zest curls can add an unexpected pop of color and charm.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you find yourself with leftovers of Pear And Gorgonzola Salad With Candied Pecans, store the dressing separately from the greens to avoid sogginess. Keep the salad components in airtight containers in the fridge and assemble fresh just before eating for best texture and flavor.

Freezing

This salad is best enjoyed fresh, so freezing is not recommended. The delicate field greens and crisp pears won’t retain their texture well after freezing and thawing.

Reheating

Since this is a fresh salad, reheating is not necessary and will diminish the vibrant flavors and crunchy textures. Instead, simply toss everything together fresh each time you serve.

FAQs

Can I use another type of cheese instead of gorgonzola?

Absolutely! While gorgonzola’s distinctive boldness pairs perfectly with the pears and pecans, you can substitute with blue cheese, feta, or goat cheese for different but equally delicious results.

What’s the best pear variety for this salad?

Choose a ripe but firm pear like Bartlett, Bosc, or Anjou. These varieties have a lovely balance of sweetness and texture that won’t become mushy when sliced.

Can I make the candied pecans without sugar?

Sugar is key to achieving that signature crunchy, caramelized coating, but you could lightly toast the pecans without sugar for a simpler crunch, though they won’t have the candy-like sweetness.

Is this salad suitable for a dinner party?

Definitely yes! The Pear And Gorgonzola Salad With Candied Pecans has an elegant appearance and layered flavor profile that will impress guests while being easy to prepare in advance.

How can I make this salad vegan?

Swap out the gorgonzola for a plant-based cheese alternative and replace honey with agave or maple syrup in the dressing to enjoy a vegan version that still bursts with flavor.

Final Thoughts

This Pear And Gorgonzola Salad With Candied Pecans is such a joyful dish to make and eat. It strikes a lovely balance between indulgence and freshness, making it perfect for everything from a casual lunch to a special occasion. Give this recipe a try and watch it become a treasured favorite that you’ll find yourself craving again and again.