Pear Salad Recipe: How to Make Pear Salad

For the balsamic vinaigrette:

• ½ shallot, minced
• 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
• 2 teaspoons lemon juice
• 1 teaspoon maple syrup
• 2 teaspoons balsamic vinegar
• 1 teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• ½ cup extra-virgin olive oil

For the salad:

• 1 room temperature, ripe pear, sliced
• 6 ounces crumbled gorgonzola cheese
• ½ red onion, sliced thin
• ¾ cup toasted pecans, chopped
• 5 ounces mixed salad greens
• 1 tablespoon pomegranate seeds or dried cranberries, to garnish (optional)

Make the balsamic vinaigrette:

1. 1

   In a small bowl, combine the minced shallot, Dijon mustard, lemon juice, maple syrup, balsamic vinegar, salt, and pepper.

2. 2

   While mixing with a fork, drizzle in the ½ cup of olive oil until you emulsify and thicken the dressing.

3. 3

   Set the vinaigrette aside.

Make the salad:

1. 1

   Set aside a small portion of sliced pears, crumbled cheese, red onion, and toasted pecans to garnish the salad.

2. 2

   In a large bowl, toss the salad greens, remaining pear slices, remaining crumbled cheese, remaining red onion, and remaining toasted pecans.

3. 3

   Slowly pour in the balsamic vinaigrette and toss the salad ingredients in the dressing.

4. 4

   Transfer the salad to a large serving bowl.

5. 5

   Garnish the salad with the reserved pear slices, crumbled gorgonzola cheese, red onion, toasted pecans, and pomegranate seeds or other optional garnishes.

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