Pear & Gorgonzola Salad with Candied Walnuts is a fresh and flavorful salad that perfectly balances sweet, tangy, and crunchy textures. Crisp slices of pear meet the creamy, sharp taste of Gorgonzola cheese, while the candied walnuts add a delightful crunch and a touch of sweetness that ties everything together. It’s a salad that feels both light and satisfying, making it perfect for any meal or as a special starter.
I love making this salad when I want something that feels a little fancy but is actually really easy to put together. The candied walnuts are my favorite part—they give just the right amount of sweetness and crunch, and I often make a little extra to keep on hand as a snack. Mixing the pears and cheese right before serving keeps the salad fresh and bright, which makes it even more delicious.
One of my favorite ways to serve this salad is with a simple balsamic vinaigrette that brings all the flavors together without overpowering them. It’s also a hit at dinner parties because almost everyone loves the mix of sweet pears and tangy cheese. Whenever I make it, I find myself sneaking a few bites before it even reaches the table!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Pears: Choose firm but ripe pears like Bartlett or Bosc for the best sweetness and texture. If fresh pears aren’t available, apples with a sweet-tart flavor work nicely as a substitute.
Gorgonzola Cheese: This blue cheese adds a creamy, tangy punch. If you find it too strong, try milder blue cheeses like Roquefort or even creamy feta.
Candied Walnuts: Walnuts add crunch and a slightly bitter depth. You can swap with pecans or almonds if preferred. Making your own candied nuts is easy and tastes fresher than store-bought.
Salad Greens: A mix of arugula and baby spinach provides peppery and mild notes. Feel free to use mixed baby greens or even fresh kale for a heartier option.
Dressing: Balsamic vinegar and honey create a balanced sweetness and acidity. If you want a lighter dressing, a squeeze of lemon juice with a touch of honey works well.
How Do You Candy Walnuts Without Burning Them?
Cooking the sugar just right is the key. Too high heat and the sugar burns; too low, and it won’t caramelize properly. Keep your heat medium, and stir constantly so the sugar coats all walnuts evenly.
- Combine sugar, water, and salt in a pan over medium heat.
- Stir until the sugar dissolves and bubbles, then add walnuts.
- Keep stirring until the mixture turns a deep amber and walnuts look glossy.
- Quickly spread nuts on parchment paper, separating them to cool without sticking.
Patience matters here—don’t rush the color change and watch closely because it happens fast near the end. This technique gives you crunchy, sweet walnuts with perfect texture.
Equipment You’ll Need
- Cutting board and sharp knife – I recommend a sharp knife for slicing pears thinly and safely.
- Small saucepan – perfect for melting the sugar and candying the walnuts evenly.
- Whisk or spoon – helps to stir the dressing and coat the walnuts without clumping.
- Large salad bowl – for mixing and serving, making it easy to toss the ingredients together.
- Parchment paper or silicone mat – to cool and set the candied walnuts without sticking.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Replace Gorgonzola with goat cheese or feta for a milder, creamier taste.
- Use toasted pecans or almonds instead of walnuts for a different crunch and flavor profile.
- Add dried cranberries or sliced dried apricots for extra sweetness and color.
- Finish with a drizzle of honey or a splash of balsamic glaze for an extra layer of flavor.
Pear & Gorgonzola Salad with Candied Walnuts
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Salad:
- 4 cups mixed salad greens (such as arugula and baby spinach)
- 2 ripe pears, cored and sliced into thin wedges
- 1 cup candied walnuts (see instructions below)
- 1/2 cup crumbled Gorgonzola cheese
For the Dressing:
- 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
For the Candied Walnuts:
- 1 cup walnut halves
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon water
- Pinch of salt
How Much Time Will You Need?
This Pear & Gorgonzola Salad with Candied Walnuts takes about 15 minutes to prepare. Most of that time is used making the candied walnuts. Assembling the salad and dressing it takes just a few minutes more. It’s quick, fresh, and perfect for any occasion.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Candied Walnuts:
Start by combining the sugar, water, and a pinch of salt in a small pan over medium heat. Stir gently until the sugar dissolves and begins bubbling. Add the walnut halves and keep stirring constantly as the sugar caramelizes and coats the walnuts. Watch for a deep amber color and shiny coating—about 4 to 5 minutes. Quickly transfer the walnuts onto parchment paper or a silicone mat, making sure they are spread out and separate, then let them cool completely.
2. Make the Dressing:
In a small bowl, whisk together the balsamic vinegar, honey, olive oil, salt, and pepper until the mixture is smooth and well combined. Taste and adjust the seasoning if needed.
3. Assemble the Salad:
Place the mixed greens in a large salad bowl or arrange them on individual plates. Add the pear wedges evenly on top of the greens. Sprinkle the crumbled Gorgonzola cheese and the candied walnuts over the salad.
4. Dress and Serve:
Just before serving, drizzle the balsamic dressing over the salad. Toss gently if you like, or serve it as is for a beautiful, elegant presentation. Enjoy your fresh, crunchy, and flavorful salad!
Can I Use Store-Bought Candied Walnuts Instead?
Yes, you can use store-bought candied walnuts to save time! Just make sure to chop them if the pieces are large and check their sweetness level, adjusting the dressing if needed.
How Do I Keep Pears from Browning?
To prevent pears from browning, toss the slices in a little lemon juice or citrus vinaigrette right after slicing. This keeps them looking fresh and appetizing.
Can I Prepare This Salad Ahead of Time?
For the best texture, prepare the candied walnuts and dressing ahead, but assemble the salad just before serving to keep the greens crisp and pears fresh.
What Can I Substitute for Gorgonzola Cheese?
If you prefer a milder flavor, try goat cheese or feta as substitutes. They offer creaminess without the strong blue cheese tang.
