Salad of caramelized pears, candied walnut, and blue cheese

Salad of caramelized pears, candied walnut, and blue cheese

Caramelized Pear Salad with walnut and blue cheese. Sophisticated sweet and savory starter. Click to see the recipe!

Type: Salads,Christmas dishes

Cuisine: International

Keywords: Salads,Christmas dishes

Recipe Yield: 4

Calories: 320 kcal

Preparation Time: 20 min

Cooking Time: 10 min

Total Time: 30 min

Recipe Ingredients:

• 2 firm pears
• 1 tablespoon of butter
• 1 tablespoon of brown sugar or honey
• 100 g mixed greens (arugula, spinach, romaine lettuce)
• 50 g candied pecans
• 50 g crumbled blue cheese
• 2 tablespoons of olive oil
• 1 tablespoon of balsamic vinegar
• 1 teaspoon of honey
• Salt and pepper to taste

Recipe Instructions:

Caramelize the pears :

Slice the pears: Wash the pears and cut them into thin wedges, removing the core. Heat skillet: Melt the butter in a skillet over medium heat. Cook pears: Add the pears and sprinkle with sugar or honey. Cook 2-3 minutes per side until golden and tender, but not falling apart. Let cool slightly.

Prepare the salad base :

Wash lettuce: Wash and thoroughly dry the green leaves. Place them in a large bowl or directly on serving plates.

Prepare the dressing :

Emulsify: In a small jar or bowl, mix the olive oil, balsamic vinegar, honey, salt, and pepper. Shake or whisk until well combined.

Final assembly:

Combine: Place the warm pears on the bed of lettuce. Additions: Scatter the crumbled blue cheese and candied walnuts over the top. Dress: Just before serving, drizzle the dressing over the salad.

Editor's Rating:
4.8

Recipe for Caramelized Pear, Candied Walnut, and Blue Cheese Salad

Hello! Prepare this salad that surprises with its combination of textures and flavors: the intense sweetness of the caramelized pears, the creaminess and strong flavor of the blue cheese and the sweet crunch of the candied walnut. It's an ideal option to enjoy a light dish full of perfect contrasts.

Preparation time

To organize your time and prepare this salad with ease, here's a simple breakdown:

• Preparation: 10 minutes
• Cooking: 7 minutes
• Total: 17 minutes
• Servings: 4
• Difficulty: Easy

Ingredients

For the salad

• 2 ripe but firm pears (Conference, Bartlett, or Anjou)
• 2 tablespoons (30 ml) unsalted butter
• 2 tablespoons (30 g) brown sugar
• 1 teaspoon (5 ml) fresh lemon juice
• A pinch of salt
• 150 g mixed green leaves (arugula, baby spinach, romaine lettuce)
• 100 g of blue cheese (Roquefort, Cabrales or Gorgonzola)
• 50 g pecan nuts or regular walnuts
• 3 tablespoons (45 ml) extra virgin olive oil
• 1 tablespoon (15 ml) balsamic vinegar
• 1 teaspoon (5 ml) honey (optional)
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste

To substitute blue cheese, you can use goat cheese or feta cheese for a milder flavor. If you can't find pecan nuts, common walnuts work just as well.

Utensils we will use

• Non-stick pan for caramelizing
• Large salad bowl for mixing
• Sharp knife and cutting board
• Small whisk or fork for the dressing
• Small bowl for emulsifying the dressing

Preparation

1. Prepare and caramelize the pears

1. Wash and peel: Wash the pears under the tap and dry them with paper. Peel carefully to avoid waste.
2. Cut: Cut the pears into thick wedges so they maintain their texture when cooked, approximately 1 cm thick.
3. Caramelize: In the pan over medium heat, melt the unsalted butter. Add the brown sugar and stir until it dissolves and turns a soft golden color. Add the pears along with the lemon juice and a pinch of salt to balance flavors.
4. Cooking: Cook the pears, stirring occasionally, until they are tender and their skin begins to brown (5-7 minutes). It is very important not to exceed the time to prevent them from becoming mushy.
5. Rest: Remove from heat and let cool slightly to prevent the caramel from burning or becoming bitter.

2. Prepare the balsamic dressing

1. Emulsify: In a small bowl, mix the extra virgin olive oil, the balsamic vinegar and the honey if you decide to use it. Add salt and pepper to taste and whisk with a fork or small whisk until a homogeneous texture is achieved.

3. Assemble the final salad

1. Wash and dry the green leaves: Thoroughly clean the mixture of arugula, spinach, and lettuce. It is important that they are dry so that the dressing adheres well.
2. Combine: In the salad bowl, mix the green leaves with the blue cheese crumbled and the walnuts lightly chopped and candied (caramelized).
3. Dress: Just before serving, add the dressing and mix gently so as not to break the leaves.
4. Include the pears: Place the wedges of caramelized pears on top carefully so they stand out as the star of the dish.

To finish and serve

Check that the salad has a balance of flavors: sweet, salty, and acidic. Adjust salt or pepper if needed. Serve immediately so that the leaves do not lose freshness and the crunchy texture of the candied walnut remains intact. This caramelized pear salad is ideal as an appetizer or accompaniment for a light main course such as baked fish or white meats. Complement with a fresh drink like a white wine young or a light spritz.

Nutritional Information

• Calories: 350 kcal
• Proteins: 8 g
• Fats: 28 g
• Carbohydrates: 22 g
• Fiber: 4 g

These values are approximate per serving and may vary depending on the exact ingredients and quantities used.

7 practical tips for a perfect caramelized pear salad

Preparing this salad may seem simple, but some details make the difference between an average experience and a memorable dish. Here are some keys to ensure success:

1. Choose firm pears: Opt for ripe but firm fruits, such as the Conference pear or Bartlett, so they hold up well to caramelization.
2. Control the heat: Use medium heat for caramelizing so that the sugar and butter don't burn and create bitter notes.
3. Cut the pears into thick wedges: This prevents them from falling apart during cooking and gives the salad visual presence.
4. Do not saturate the salad with dressing: Apply just enough so as not to over-moisten the green leaves and prevent them from losing freshness.
5. Toast the nuts beforehand: Before candying them, toast the nuts to enhance their flavor and aroma.
6. Prepare the dressing ahead of time: Balsamic vinegar mixed with honey and good quality oil enhances flavors and emulsifies better if made in advance.
7. Serve immediately: This salad is best fresh, so assemble it just before eating to preserve textures and flavors.

When it is ideal to enjoy caramelized pear, candied walnut, and blue cheese salad

This salad is an excellent choice for cool autumn days, when pears are at their peak. Its balance of sweet, salty, and acidic makes it ideal for a light family meal or a gathering with friends. Furthermore, its combination of sophisticated yet easy-to-prepare flavors makes it a perfect dish for special occasions where you want to impress without overcomplicating things. Serve this salad as an elegant appetizer or as a light and refreshing accompaniment for white meats or delicate fish.

Comparison of Caramelized Pear Salad with similar recipes

5 tricks that help enhance the flavor of this salad

To further improve your caramelized pear salad, these tips are very useful:

1. Use quality butter: Elevates the caramel and adds a creamy touch to the process.
2. Apply brown sugar: Its flavor has deeper caramel notes than white sugar.
3. Add a little lemon juice: This prevents the pears from oxidizing and balances the sweet flavor with a touch of acidity.
4. Toast the walnuts before caramelizing them: For a more intense aroma and a superior crunchy texture.
5. Mix the dressing just before serving: This way you will prevent the leaves from wilting and maintain freshness and shine.

This video shows the detailed process for caramelizing pears and preparing a balsamic dressing that highlights blue cheese. Ideal for those who prefer to see step-by-step before starting.

In this other one, it explains how to prepare crunchy candied walnuts that melt in your mouth, the perfect complement for your autumn salad.

Share your experience with caramelized pear and blue cheese salad

Did you dare to prepare this recipe? Tell us how it turned out and if you added any extra ingredients or your own variation. Remember that cooking is for enjoying and experimenting. Your opinion and tricks can help many more to prepare a different and flavorful salad like this one.

Culinary glossary to better understand this recipe

• Caramelize: Cooking sugar or foods with sugar until it melts and turns a golden color, providing a sweet flavor and a crunchy or unctuous texture.
• Blue cheese: Type of cheese with blue mold veins that give it a strong and characteristic flavor, perfect for combining with sweet fruits.
• Candied: Technique that consists of coating nuts with caramelized sugar to obtain a crunchy texture and sweet flavor.
• Balsamic vinegar: Vinegar obtained from grapes, with a balanced sweet and sour flavor, frequently used in salads.
• Dressing: Liquid mixture of oil, vinegar, spices, and other ingredients used to season and flavor salads.