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Pear Gorgonzola Salad with Maple Balsamic Dressing Recipe

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4 from 1 review

Bright, fresh, and full of bold flavors, this Pear Gorgonzola Salad with Maple Balsamic Dressing combines crisp mixed greens, juicy pears, sweet dried cranberries, creamy gorgonzola cheese, and crunchy maple candied walnuts. Ready in just 15 minutes, it’s a delicious and vibrant side salad perfect for any occasion.

  • Total Time: 15 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings

Ingredients

For the Salad

  • 5 cups (105 grams) Mixed Salad Greens
  • 2 cups (300 grams) Fresh Pear, medium dice (about 2 medium pears)
  • 1/2 cup (70 grams) Gorgonzola Cheese, crumbled
  • 1/4 cup (40 grams) Dried Cranberries, preferably apple juice sweetened or unsweetened
  • 1/2 cup (60 grams) Maple Candied Walnuts or Maple Candied Pecans

For the Dressing

  • 3 tablespoons Balsamic Vinegar
  • 1-2 teaspoons Pure Maple Syrup, adjust to taste
  • 1/2 teaspoon Prepared Dijon Mustard
  • 1 teaspoon Shallot, minced
  • Pinch of Salt & Pepper
  • 4 tablespoons Extra Virgin Olive Oil

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Salad Greens: Wash and dry your salad greens thoroughly using a salad spinner or clean towel to ensure crisp texture.
  2. Assemble the Salad: In a large serving bowl or platter, arrange the dried salad greens. Evenly distribute the crumbled gorgonzola cheese on top, followed by the diced fresh pears. Sprinkle the dried cranberries and maple candied walnuts over the salad.
  3. Make the Dressing: In a small bowl, combine the balsamic vinegar, pure maple syrup, prepared Dijon mustard, minced shallot, salt, and pepper. While whisking constantly, slowly drizzle in the extra virgin olive oil until a creamy and emulsified dressing forms. Taste and adjust the sweetness by adding more maple syrup if desired. Alternatively, you can add all dressing ingredients to a Mason jar, secure the lid tightly, and shake vigorously until combined.
  4. Dress the Salad: Just before serving, drizzle the prepared maple balsamic dressing over the salad and toss gently to coat all ingredients evenly.
  5. Store the Dressing: Store any leftover dressing in a lidded container in the refrigerator for up to one week. Before using again, let it sit at room temperature for about 15 minutes and whisk or shake to re-emulsify.

Notes

  • Balsamic Vinegar: The sweetness and viscosity can vary greatly between brands, so adjust the amount of maple syrup in the dressing to suit your taste.
  • Nutrition information is an estimate and should be verified independently if important.
  • Author: Monica
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 0 minutes
  • Category: Salad
  • Method: No-Cook
  • Cuisine: American
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Find it online: https://monicarecipes.com/pear-gorgonzola-salad-with-maple-balsamic-dressing-recipe/