Pear Salad with and Bacon Gorgonzola and Candied Walnuts
Elevate your salad game with this irresistible Pear Salad with Bacon, Gorgonzola, and Candied Walnuts. This vibrant dish combines the crisp sweetness of ripe pears, the smoky crunch of crispy bacon, and the creamy tang of crumbled gorgonzola. The highlight? Crunchy, buttery candied walnuts that bring a caramelized sweetness to every bite. Tossed with fresh mixed greens and drizzled with a zesty balsamic vinaigrette, this salad perfectly balances sweet, savory, and tangy flavors. Quick to prepare and visually stunning, it’s an ideal choice for dinner parties, special occasions, or simply treating yourself to a gourmet meal at home. Don’t miss the chance to wow your taste buds with this harmonious medley of flavors and textures!
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 2 pieces ripe pears (e.g., Bartlett or Anjou)
- 6 cups mixed greens (e.g., arugula, spinach, or spring mix)
- 6 slices bacon
- 1 cup crumbled gorgonzola cheese
- 1 cup walnuts
- 0.5 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
- 0.5 cup balsamic vinaigrette dressing
- 0.25 teaspoon salt
- 0.25 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
1. Prepare the candied walnuts: In a medium skillet over medium heat, melt the butter. Add the sugar and walnuts. Stir constantly until the sugar melts and coats the walnuts evenly, about 5 minutes. Transfer the nuts to a sheet of parchment paper to cool. Be careful as the caramelized sugar will be very hot.
2. Cook the bacon: In a skillet over medium heat, cook the bacon strips until crispy, about 5-7 minutes. Place the cooked bacon on a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess grease, then crumble into bite-sized pieces.
3. Prepare the pears: Slice the pears in half, core them, and cut them into thin slices.
4. Assemble the salad: In a large salad bowl, combine the mixed greens, sliced pears, crumbled bacon, candied walnuts, and gorgonzola cheese.
5. Dress the salad: Drizzle the balsamic vinaigrette over the salad, and toss gently to combine. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
6. Serve: Divide the salad among plates and serve immediately. Enjoy the combination of sweet, savory, and tangy flavors!
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
597 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 39.8 g | 51% | |
| Saturated Fat | 11.1 g | 56% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.0 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 45 mg | 15% | |
| Sodium | 800 mg | 35% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 50.4 g | 18% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 7.0 g | 25% | |
| Total Sugars | 38.5 g | ||
| Protein | 15.5 g | 31% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.1 mcg | 1% | |
| Calcium | 215 mg | 17% | |
| Iron | 2.3 mg | 13% | |
| Potassium | 521 mg | 11% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
