Pear and Gorgonzola Salad Recipe
Introduction
This Pear and Gorgonzola Salad is a delightful mix of sweet, tangy, and savory flavors that come together in just 15 minutes. Crisp pears, creamy Gorgonzola, and crunchy walnuts make each bite exciting and fresh. Perfect as a light lunch or an elegant starter.

Ingredients
- 1/3 cup white wine vinegar
- 1 can (15 ounces) pear halves, drained
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/3 cup olive oil
- 6 cups torn mixed salad greens
- 2 medium pears, sliced
- 1 medium tomato, seeded and finely chopped
- 3/4 cup chopped walnuts
- 1/4 cup crumbled Gorgonzola cheese
- Coarsely ground pepper, optional
Instructions
- Step 1: Prepare the dressing by combining white wine vinegar, drained pear halves, and salt in a blender. Blend until smooth.
- Step 2: With the blender running, slowly pour in the olive oil in a steady stream to emulsify the dressing.
- Step 3: In a large salad bowl, combine torn mixed greens, sliced pears, chopped tomato, walnuts, and crumbled Gorgonzola cheese.
- Step 4: Drizzle the desired amount of pear dressing over the salad and toss gently to coat all ingredients evenly.
- Step 5: Serve immediately, topping with coarsely ground pepper if desired for extra flavor.
Tips & Variations
- Use fresh pears for a crisp texture or substitute walnuts with pecans for a different nutty flavor.
- Try adding a handful of dried cranberries or raisins to introduce a sweet contrast.
- For a dairy-free version, omit the Gorgonzola or replace it with a tangy vinaigrette.
Storage
Store leftover salad ingredients separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Keep the dressing refrigerated as well. Toss the salad just before serving to maintain freshness. Reheating is not recommended for salads that include fresh greens and cheese.
How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use fresh pears instead of canned pear halves?
Yes, fresh pears can be used both in the dressing and the salad for a fresher flavor, though the dressing may be less sweet and slightly less smooth.
How can I make this salad vegan?
Simply omit the Gorgonzola cheese or replace it with a plant-based cheese alternative. Also, ensure the dressing ingredients are all vegan-friendly.
Print
Pear and Gorgonzola Salad Recipe
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A fresh and flavorful Pear and Gorgonzola Salad featuring a tangy pear vinaigrette dressing, paired with crisp mixed greens, sweet pears, crunchy walnuts, and creamy Gorgonzola cheese for a perfect balance of textures and tastes. Ready in just 15 minutes, this salad is ideal for a light lunch or an elegant side dish.
Ingredients
Dressing
- 1/3 cup white wine vinegar
- 1 can (15 ounces) pear halves, drained
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/3 cup olive oil
Salad
- 6 cups torn mixed salad greens
- 2 medium pears, sliced
- 1 medium tomato, seeded and finely chopped
- 3/4 cup chopped walnuts
- 1/4 cup crumbled Gorgonzola cheese
- Coarsely ground pepper, optional
Instructions
- Prepare the dressing: In a blender, combine the white wine vinegar, drained pear halves, and salt. Cover and blend until the mixture is smooth. While the blender is running, slowly pour in the olive oil in a steady stream to emulsify the dressing, creating a creamy and flavorful vinaigrette.
- Assemble the salad: In a large salad bowl, combine the torn mixed salad greens, sliced medium pears, finely chopped tomato, chopped walnuts, and crumbled Gorgonzola cheese. Drizzle the desired amount of pear dressing over the salad and toss gently to coat all ingredients evenly, ensuring every bite is flavorful.
- Serve: Serve the salad immediately, topped with coarsely ground pepper if desired for added flavor and a hint of spice.
Notes
- Use ripe but firm pears for the best texture and flavor in the salad.
- The dressing can be prepared in advance and stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 days; re-whisk before serving.
- To make this salad vegetarian, ensure that the Gorgonzola cheese you use contains no animal rennet.
- You can substitute walnuts with pecans or almonds for variation in crunch and taste.
- For a lighter option, use a lighter olive oil or reduce the amount used in the dressing.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: Blending
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: pear salad, gorgonzola salad, mixed greens, pear vinaigrette, walnut salad, quick salad recipe, healthy salad

