Unmissable Pear Walnut and Blue Cheese Salad in 3 Easy Steps

Name: Unmissable Pear Walnut and Blue Cheese Salad in 3 Easy Steps
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 3 min
Total time: 13 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 ripe pears, thinly sliced; 1/2 cup walnuts, toasted; 1/4 cup crumbled blue cheese; 4 cups mixed greens; 2 tbsp olive oil; 1 tbsp balsamic vinegar; Salt and pepper to taste

Author: lia

Published: November 2, 2025

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Oh, how I love this pear walnut and blue cheese salad! It’s the perfect balance of flavors and textures—sweet, juicy pears against crunchy toasted walnuts, all brought together with that bold tang of blue cheese. I first had this combo at a little bistro years ago and immediately raced home to recreate it. Now it’s my go-to when I want something fancy but effortless. The dressing? Just olive oil and balsamic—simple but magical. Trust me, once you try this salad, you’ll understand why it’s become my signature dish for everything from weeknight dinners to fancy gatherings.

Why You’ll Love This Pear Walnut and Blue Cheese Salad

This salad is my secret weapon for so many occasions—here’s why it’ll become yours too:

Quick & fresh: Ready in under 15 minutes, with no cooking (except toasting those walnuts—worth it!)
Perfect flavor balance: Sweet pears, nutty crunch, and that glorious blue cheese tang play off each other like old friends
Endlessly customizable: Swap in apples, swap out walnuts, go light or heavy on the cheese—it’s forgiving
Looks fancy, tastes luxurious: Impresses guests but costs less than takeout

Seriously, this salad checks all the boxes. Even my “I-don’t-do-salad” husband sneaks extra helpings!

Ingredients for Pear Walnut and Blue Cheese Salad

Here’s everything you’ll need for this knockout salad – trust me, each ingredient plays a starring role:

2 ripe but firm pears – thinly sliced (I like Bartlett or Anjou best)
1/2 cup walnuts – toasted for maximum crunch
1/4 cup blue cheese – crumbled (more if you’re feeling indulgent!)
4 cups mixed greens – washed and thoroughly dried
2 tbsp olive oil – the good stuff
1 tbsp balsamic vinegar – aged if you’ve got it
Salt and pepper – to taste

That’s it! Simple ingredients, but when combined? Pure magic.

How to Make Pear Walnut and Blue Cheese Salad

This salad comes together in minutes, but there are a few key steps to make it perfect. Follow my method, and you’ll have a restaurant-worthy dish that’ll wow everyone at your table!

Preparing the Ingredients

First things first – wash those greens thoroughly but dry them like you mean it! I spin mine in a salad spinner then pat with paper towels. Soggy greens are the enemy here. For the pears, slice them thin just before assembling – this prevents browning. Toast the walnuts in a dry pan over medium heat for 2-3 minutes until fragrant. Watch them like a hawk – they burn fast!

Assembling the Salad

Now the fun part! In a large bowl, gently toss the greens with about three-quarters of the pears and walnuts. Sprinkle the blue cheese crumbles over the top – don’t mix it in yet! This way you get perfect little pockets of tangy goodness in every bite. Add the remaining pears and walnuts on top for a pretty presentation.

Pear walnut and blue cheese salad - detail 1

Making the Dressing

Simple is best here. Just whisk together the olive oil and balsamic vinegar with a pinch of salt and pepper. Taste it – you might want more vinegar for extra zing. Drizzle lightly over the salad right before serving (this keeps everything crisp).

Tips for the Perfect Pear Walnut and Blue Cheese Salad

After making this salad countless times, I’ve learned a few tricks that take it from good to wow:

Pear perfection: Use pears that yield slightly when pressed near the stem – too soft and they’ll mush, too hard and they lack sweetness
Toast those nuts: Toasting walnuts unlocks their flavor – I do mine in a dry pan until I can smell them (about 3 minutes)
Cheese control: If blue cheese feels too strong, start with half the amount – you can always add more
Dress smart: Always dress right before serving to keep everything crisp – leftover undressed salad keeps surprisingly well overnight

My biggest tip? Taste as you go – this salad is all about balancing flavors to your preference!

Variations for Pear Walnut and Blue Cheese Salad

One of my favorite things about this salad is how easily you can mix it up! Swap pears for crisp apples when they’re in season, or try pecans instead of walnuts for a different crunch. If blue cheese isn’t your thing, feta or goat cheese work beautifully too. The possibilities are endless—have fun with it!

Serving Suggestions for Pear Walnut and Blue Cheese Salad

This salad shines as both a starter and main! I love it with grilled chicken for a light dinner, crusty bread to soak up the dressing, or alongside a cozy butternut squash soup. Perfect for any occasion!

Pear walnut and blue cheese salad - detail 2

Storage and Reheating

Let’s be real – this salad shines brightest when fresh! But if you must store it, keep the undressed greens separate in an airtight container for up to a day. The pears? Slice them right before serving to prevent browning. Trust me, it’s worth the extra minute!

Nutritional Information for Pear Walnut and Blue Cheese Salad

Here’s the scoop on what you’re getting in each generous serving of this salad (and yes, it’s totally worth every bite!):

Calories: 220
Fat: 16g (mostly the good kind from walnuts and olive oil)
Protein: 5g (thank you, blue cheese!)
Carbs: 15g
Fiber: 4g (those pears and greens working hard)

Remember – these numbers can vary based on your exact ingredients and how generous you are with that delicious cheese!

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a different cheese? Absolutely! If blue cheese isn’t your thing, try feta or goat cheese. Both add a creamy tang that works beautifully with the pears and walnuts.

How do I prevent the pears from browning? Slice them just before assembling the salad. If you need to prep ahead, toss the slices in a little lemon juice—it’ll keep them fresh and bright.

Can I make this salad ahead of time? I recommend assembling it right before serving to keep everything crisp. However, you can prep the ingredients separately and toss them together at the last minute.

What’s the best way to toast walnuts? Use a dry pan over medium heat, stirring constantly for 2-3 minutes until fragrant. Watch closely—they burn fast!

Can I use a different dressing? Of course! A honey mustard vinaigrette or a maple balsamic glaze would also be delicious. Just keep it simple to let the flavors shine.

For more delicious recipes and inspiration, check out our Pinterest page!