Two plates of pear and blue cheese salad with arugula, walnuts, and honey vinaigrette served on a wooden table with candles and glasses of juice for a cozy dinner for two.

Simple Pear & Blue Cheese Salad — 10-Minute Elegant Side

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Introduction

This Simple Pear & Blue Cheese Salad brings sweet, savory, and crunchy flavors together in just 10 minutes. Fresh, juicy pears meet creamy blue cheese and toasted walnuts for a mix that feels elegant but easy. A drizzle of honey or maple vinaigrette ties everything together with a bright, smooth finish. It’s perfect for a quick weeknight side dish or a classy holiday salad that looks like it took hours.

You can swap arugula for spinach or use your favorite pear variety—Bosc, Bartlett, or Anjou all work beautifully. If you like a lighter flavor, try Gorgonzola instead of sharp blue cheese. Add a handful of dried cranberries or pecans for extra texture and color.

This pear and blue cheese salad is more than just a side—it’s a refreshing way to balance rich fall meals or impress guests with minimal effort. Simple ingredients, quick prep, and restaurant-style flavor make it one of the best 10-minute salads you’ll ever toss together.

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Why You’ll Love This Pear & Blue Cheese Salad

10 Minutes, No Cooking

You can make this pear and blue cheese salad in just 10 minutes. There’s no cooking, no stress, and no mess. It’s perfect for a quick weeknight meal or a last-minute party side dish. Fast, fresh, and full of flavor — that’s the beauty of this salad.

Sweet and Savory Balance

Each bite brings a mix of ripe pears, tangy blue cheese, and a bright honey vinaigrette. The flavors balance beautifully — sweet fruit, creamy cheese, and a touch of acidity. It’s a classic combination that feels both comforting and refreshing.

Elegant with Minimal Effort

This simple pear and blue cheese salad looks like something from a restaurant but takes almost no effort. A drizzle of dressing and a sprinkle of nuts turn it into an elegant side dish you can serve at dinner parties or family meals.

Flexible Base

Use whatever greens you have — arugula, baby spinach, or mixed greens all work well. Each one brings a slightly different taste and texture. That flexibility makes this salad easy to fit into any menu or season.

Make-Ahead Components

You can toast the nuts and whisk the vinaigrette ahead of time. Store them separately, then toss everything together before serving. It saves time and keeps the salad crisp and vibrant. Perfect for holiday dinners or meal prep during busy weeks.

Ingredients & Smart Substitutions

Flat lay of ingredients for pear and blue cheese salad including fresh pears, arugula, blue cheese crumbles, walnuts, lemon, olive oil, Dijon mustard, honey, salt, and pepper on a warm beige background.
All the fresh, wholesome ingredients for a simple pear and blue cheese salad—ripe pears, crisp arugula, creamy blue cheese, and toasted walnuts ready for a drizzle of honey vinaigrette.

Pears

Choose firm-ripe pears for clean slices and a sweet, juicy bite. Bosc, Anjou, or Bartlett pears work best for this pear and blue cheese salad. They hold their shape and add natural sweetness that balances the tangy cheese and dressing.

Greens

Go with arugula if you like a peppery flavor, or use baby spinach or spring mix for something milder. These greens give the salad a fresh, crisp base. You can mix them for extra color and texture—it always turns out bright and beautiful.

Blue Cheese

Pick your favorite type of blue cheese. Try Gorgonzola for a creamy, mild flavor or Roquefort and Stilton for a stronger, bold taste. The cheese adds richness and depth, making this simple salad feel gourmet.

Crunch

Add toasted walnuts or pecans for a warm, nutty crunch. For a sweet touch, use candied nuts instead. If you need a nut-free option, pumpkin seeds or sunflower seeds give the same satisfying texture.

Vinaigrette

Whisk together extra-virgin olive oil, lemon juice or balsamic vinegar, honey or maple syrup, and a little Dijon mustard. Season with sea salt and black pepper. This quick honey vinaigrette ties the salad together with a smooth, bright finish.

Step-by-Step (From Fridge to Table in 10 Minutes)

Toast the Nuts

Start with the crunch. Place walnuts or pecans in a dry pan and toast them for 2–3 minutes over medium heat. Stir often until they smell nutty and turn golden. Let them cool while you prep the rest of the salad. This step adds warm flavor and a crisp texture to your pear and blue cheese salad.

Whisk the Dressing

In a small bowl, whisk olive oil, lemon juice or balsamic vinegar, honey or maple syrup, and a spoon of Dijon mustard. Season with salt and black pepper. The dressing should taste bright and balanced — sweet, tangy, and smooth. Set it aside while you slice the fruit.

Slice the Pears

Cut the pears into thin, even wedges. Choose firm-ripe pears like Bosc or Anjou for clean cuts. To keep them fresh and bright, add a quick lemon spritz over the slices. This keeps the color and adds a hint of citrus freshness.

Toss the Greens Lightly

Add your arugula, spinach, or mixed greens to a large bowl. Pour in half of the vinaigrette and toss gently. Coat the leaves just enough for a glossy shine, not a soggy mix. This step keeps the salad light and crisp.

Finish and Season

Now build your simple pear and blue cheese salad. Layer the pear slices over the greens, scatter blue cheese crumbles, and add the toasted nuts. Drizzle the rest of the dressing on top and crack a little black pepper. Serve it right away for a fresh, elegant finish.

Pro Tips, Variations & Pairings

Two plates of pear and blue cheese salad with arugula, walnuts, and honey vinaigrette served on a wooden table with candles and glasses of juice for a cozy dinner for two.
A warm, candlelit dinner setup featuring pear and blue cheese salad with arugula, walnuts, and a drizzle of golden vinaigrette—perfect for two.

Texture Equation

The magic of this pear and blue cheese salad is in the mix of textures. You get crisp pears, creamy cheese, and crunchy nuts in every bite. This balance keeps the salad interesting and satisfying. Always use firm pears and freshly toasted nuts for the best texture contrast.

Milder Route

If you prefer a softer flavor, choose Gorgonzola dolce. It’s creamy and mild, perfect for those who find blue cheese too strong. You can also mix half blue cheese and half feta for a balanced taste that stays rich but not overpowering.

Add-ins

You can easily change this simple pear and blue cheese salad to suit your mood. Add dried cranberries for sweetness or thin red onion for a sharp bite. Try prosciutto shards for a salty touch or shaved fennel for a light crunch. Each variation adds something new without extra effort.

Hearty Spin

Turn this salad into a light main dish. Add quinoa or farro for extra protein and fiber. These grains soak up the dressing beautifully and make the meal more filling. It’s an easy way to upgrade your salad from side to centerpiece.

Pairings

This salad goes with almost anything. Serve it with roast chicken, pumpkin soup, or simple pasta al burro for a balanced meal. For drinks, pour a Sauvignon Blanc or dry Riesling. Their crisp acidity highlights the sweetness of the pears and the richness of the cheese.

Simple Pear & Blue Cheese Salad

Flat lay of ingredients for pear and blue cheese salad including fresh pears, arugula, blue cheese crumbles, walnuts, lemon, olive oil, Dijon mustard, honey, salt, and pepper on a warm beige background.

Simple Pear & Blue Cheese Salad

This Simple Pear & Blue Cheese Salad combines crisp pears, creamy blue cheese, and crunchy walnuts over a bed of arugula. It’s sweet, savory, and fresh—all ready in just 10 minutes. Perfect for a quick weeknight side or an elegant dinner salad.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Total Time 10 minutes
Servings: 4
Course: brunch, dinner
Cuisine: American, Modern European Cuisine
Calories: 320
Ingredients Method

Ingredients
  

  • 4 cups arugula or mixed greens
  • 2 ripe pears Bosc or Anjou, cored and thinly sliced
  • ½ cup crumbled blue cheese Gorgonzola or Roquefort
  • ½ cup toasted walnuts or pecans
  • 3 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil
  • 1 tbsp lemon juice or balsamic vinegar
  • 1 tsp Dijon mustard
  • 1 tsp honey or maple syrup
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste

Method
 

  1. Toast the nuts in a dry pan for 2–3 minutes until golden and fragrant. Let cool.
  2. In a small bowl, whisk olive oil, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, honey, salt, and pepper.
  3. Arrange greens on a large plate or platter.
  4. Add pear slices, blue cheese crumbles, and toasted nuts on top.
  5. Drizzle with dressing and toss lightly before serving.

FAQs

1) Can I make this pear and blue cheese salad ahead?

Yes. Toast nuts and mix the vinaigrette up to 3 days ahead. Slice pears right before serving.

2) How do I stop pears from browning?

Toss slices with lemon juice. Or dip them in 1 tbsp lemon + 3 tbsp water. Pat dry.

3) Which pears work best?

Use firm-ripe Bosc, Anjou, or Bartlett. They slice cleanly and hold shape.

4) What greens should I use?

Choose arugula for peppery bite. Or use baby spinach or spring mix for mild flavor.

5) I don’t love strong blue cheese. Ideas?

Try Gorgonzola dolce. Or mix half blue cheese and half feta for a softer taste.

Conclusion

This Simple Pear and Blue Cheese Salad proves that elegance doesn’t need time or effort. In just 10 minutes, you can serve a dish that looks beautiful and tastes even better. The mix of sweet pears, creamy blue cheese, and crunchy nuts creates a perfect balance of flavors and textures.

You can always make it your own. Try different pear varieties like Bosc, Anjou, or Bartlett. Adjust the cheese intensity—go bold with Roquefort or mild with Gorgonzola dolce. Swap the walnuts for pecans or pumpkin seeds if you like. Every change adds a new layer to this easy fall favorite.

If you enjoy quick, elegant recipes, don’t stop here. Pair this salad with your favorite pumpkin soup, roasted vegetables, or another one of our fall salad recipes. And when you try it, leave a rating or comment with your favorite pairing ideas. Your version might inspire someone else’s perfect plate!

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