Barefoot Contessa Pear and Blue Cheese Salad

Light, elegant, and bursting with contrasting flavors, this Pear and Blue Cheese Salad—inspired by the Barefoot Contessa—is the perfect blend of sweet, creamy, crunchy, and tangy. With crisp greens, juicy ripe pears, sharp blue cheese, and crunchy nuts all drizzled in a bright, homemade vinaigrette, this salad is ideal as a holiday side, a sophisticated starter, or a light, refreshing lunch.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Elegant Yet Simple – Looks gourmet but comes together in 15 minutes.
Flavor Balance – Sweet pears, sharp cheese, crunchy nuts, and tangy dressing.
Perfect for Entertaining – Great for dinner parties or holiday spreads.
Customizable – Easily swap the cheese or nuts to your preference.
Seasonal Favorite – Especially delicious in fall and winter.

Ingredients You’ll Need

For the Salad:
6 cups mixed greens (arugula, baby spinach, spring mix, or a combo)
2 ripe but firm pears, cored and sliced thin
½ cup crumbled blue cheese (Gorgonzola or Roquefort preferred)
½ cup candied pecans or walnuts
¼ cup thinly sliced red onion (optional)
Freshly cracked black pepper, to taste

For the Vinaigrette:
¼ cup apple cider vinegar
1 tbsp Dijon mustard
1 tbsp honey
¼ tsp kosher salt
¼ tsp black pepper
½ cup extra virgin olive oil

Tools You’ll Need
Large salad bowl
Small bowl or jar for vinaigrette
Whisk or fork
Cutting board and knife
Measuring spoons and cups

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Make the Vinaigrette

1. In a small bowl or jar, whisk together apple cider vinegar, Dijon mustard, honey, salt, and pepper.
2. Slowly stream in the olive oil while whisking until the dressing is emulsified.
3. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.

Step 2: Prep the Salad Ingredients

1. Wash and dry the mixed greens thoroughly.
2. Thinly slice the pears—leave the skin on for color and texture.
3. Crumble the blue cheese and slice red onion if using.
4. Roughly chop candied nuts if they’re too large.

Step 3: Assemble the Salad

1. In a large bowl, toss greens gently with half of the vinaigrette.
2. Arrange pear slices, blue cheese, nuts, and red onion over the greens.
3. Drizzle with remaining dressing and add cracked black pepper.

Step 4: Serve

1. Serve immediately as a side salad or add grilled chicken or tofu for a complete meal.
2. Optional: Add a final sprinkle of sea salt or a drizzle of honey for extra contrast.

Tips for the Best Pear and Blue Cheese Salad
Use Firm Pears – Bosc or Anjou pears hold up well and don’t get mushy.
Choose Bold Blue Cheese – Gorgonzola or Roquefort adds great flavor.
Toss Just Before Serving – Prevents soggy greens.
Customize It – Swap nuts for almonds or pistachios, or use goat cheese instead.
Add a Crunch – Toast the nuts lightly for extra flavor and texture.

Serving Suggestions
With Grilled Chicken – Add protein for a full, satisfying lunch.
Alongside Steak or Roast – A bright contrast to hearty mains.
As a Holiday Starter – Perfect on Thanksgiving or Christmas menus.
With a Glass of White Wine – Pairs beautifully with crisp Sauvignon Blanc or Riesling.

How to Store & Prep Ahead

Make-Ahead:
Prep ingredients and dressing up to 1 day ahead, but store them separately and slice pears just before serving.

Refrigerate:
Store undressed leftovers in an airtight container for up to 1 day. The vinaigrette can be refrigerated for up to 1 week.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What can I use instead of blue cheese?
   Try goat cheese, feta, or even shaved Parmesan if you prefer a milder flavor.
2. Can I make this dairy-free?
   Yes—use a dairy-free cheese alternative or skip the cheese and add avocado for creaminess.
3. What if I don’t have apple cider vinegar?
   White balsamic or red wine vinegar also works well in the dressing.
4. Can I use canned pears?
   Fresh pears are best for texture, but canned (in juice, not syrup) can work in a pinch.

Final Thoughts
This Barefoot Contessa Pear and Blue Cheese Salad is a beautiful, flavor-packed dish that proves salads can be elegant and crave-worthy. With sweet pears, creamy cheese, crisp greens, and a zippy homemade dressing, it’s a sophisticated side that’s incredibly easy to make. Whether it’s part of your holiday table or just a weekday meal, this salad brings balance and brightness to any plate.

Try it once and it might just become your go-to salad for every season!

Preparation Time: 15 minutes
Cooking Time: None
Cuisine: American

Nutritional Information (Per Serving):
Calories: 260 | Protein: 6g | Carbohydrates: 18g | Fat: 19g | Fiber: 3g | Sodium: 280mg

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