Pear Salad with Blue Cheese — Sweet, Crunchy & Unforgettable

If you’re craving a salad that feels elegant yet effortless, then this Pear Salad with blue cheese is exactly what you need. Juicy ripe pears, crunchy toasted walnuts, peppery rocket (arugula), and creamy, tangy blue cheese come together in perfect harmony. This dish isn’t just a side — it’s an experience. With a sweet honey mustard dressing that coats every bite in vibrant flavor, it’s ideal for dinner parties, holiday spreads, or refreshing everyday meals.

Whether you’re entertaining guests or simply want to elevate your lunch game, this pear and blue cheese salad delivers sophisticated taste without complexity.

Table of Contents

Table of Contents

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Perfect Balance of Flavors: Juicy pears, savory blue cheese, and a sweet honey mustard dressing create a symphony of taste.
• Texture Delight: Crunchy walnuts and crisp rocket contrast beautifully with tender pear slices.
• Simple Yet Elegant: Minimal ingredients, big impact — perfect for parties or weeknight dinners.
• Quick to Assemble: With just a few steps, you have a restaurant‑worthy salad.
• Versatile and Adaptable: Easy to tweak with seasonal fruits or nuts to suit your mood.

This pear salad stands out because it combines the sweetness of fruit, the boldness of blue cheese, and the warmth of toasted nuts, all brought together by a dressing that’s perfectly sweet and tangy — a rare balance that impresses every time.

Ingredients Needed

Below is a clear breakdown of everything you’ll need, grouped for clarity and easy prepping:

Fresh Salad Components

• 1½–2 ripe pears — choose juicy, sweet varieties like Bartlett, Bosc, or Anjou; nashi pears or sweet apples can work too.
• ¾ cup whole walnuts — for rich crunch; pecans or almonds are fine alternatives.
• 120g / 4 oz rocket (arugula) lettuce — peppery and fresh.
• 120g / 4 oz blue cheese — choose creamy, flavorful varieties like Roquefort, Gorgonzola, or Stilton, crumbled into bite‑sized chunks.

Tip: Ripe pears should give slightly when pressed but still hold their shape — juicy yet firm.

Honey Mustard Dressing

• 1½ tbsp Dijon mustard — tang and depth.
• 1½ tbsp honey — natural sweetness to balance the sharp cheese.
• 1½ tbsp cider vinegar — bright acidity.
• 1½ tbsp vegetable or olive oil — smooth base.
• ¼ tsp salt — enhances all flavors.
• ⅛ tsp freshly cracked black pepper — subtle spice.

Pro tip: Use high‑quality honey and Dijon for the best flavor punch in your dressing.

How to Make Pear Salad with Blue Cheese

Each step below is detailed and easy to follow so you can make this with confidence.

1. Make the Honey Mustard Dressing

1. Combine all dressing ingredients — Dijon mustard, honey, cider vinegar, oil, salt, and pepper — in a small jar with a tight‑fitting lid.
2. Shake vigorously for 20–30 seconds until emulsified and smooth. The dressing should be thick enough to cling to the salad but pour easily.

Why this matters: Shaking instead of whisking creates a more cohesive emulsion, giving your salad a silky, luxurious texture.

2. Prepare the Pears

1. Halve each pear from stem to base.
2. Scoop out the core with a small spoon or melon baller.
3. Lay cut side down on your cutting board and slice into thin 3mm / 0.12″ pieces.

Visual cue: Thin slices ensure every bite gets a balance of sweet fruit and savory salad components.

3. Toast the Walnuts

1. Preheat your oven to 180°C / 350°F.
2. Spread walnuts evenly on a baking tray.
3. Toast for 8 minutes, until aromatic and lightly golden.
4. Remove from oven and let cool — leave some whole, and break some in half with your hands for variety in texture.

Pro tip: Toasting brings out the natural oils in nuts, intensifying flavor and adding deep, toasty notes.

4. Dress the Rocket

1. Place the rocket (arugula) in a large salad bowl.
2. Pour 2 tbsp of the honey mustard dressing over the greens.
3. Toss gently so leaves are lightly coated.

Why this helps: Dressing the greens first prevents the rest of the ingredients from becoming soggy later.

5. Assemble the Salad BeautifullyThe key to an eye‑catching salad is layering:

1. Pile 1/3 of the dressed rocket onto a large platter or individual plates.
2. Scatter 1/3 of the pear slices over the greens.
3. Add 1/3 of the toasted walnuts.
4. Crumble 1/3 of the blue cheese into small, rustic chunks.
5. Repeat twice more, finishing with blue cheese on top.

Before serving, drizzle remaining honey mustard dressing evenly over everything.

Serving and Storage Tips

Serving Suggestions

• Serve alongside a crusty baguette or sourdough for a light lunch.
• Pair with grilled chicken or seared salmon for a complete dinner plate.
• Add sliced pears and dressing to grain bowls for extra texture.
• For gatherings, serve on a large wooden board — it looks stunning and encourages sharing.

Storage Tips

• Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
• Add blue cheese just before serving again — it can soften if stored too long.
• Dressing can be stored separately in the fridge for up to 5 days.

Note: This salad is best enjoyed fresh — the crispness of the rocket and pears shines when served immediately.

Helpful Notes

• Nut Alternatives: Pecans or toasted almonds add a different but delicious crunch.
• Fruit Swaps: If pears aren’t in season, ripe apples work beautifully.
• Cheese Variations: If blue cheese is too bold, try creamy goat’s cheese or feta for a milder tang.
• Add Protein: Grilled chicken or smoked turkey breast makes this salad a full meal.
• Extra Zing: A squeeze of fresh lemon juice can brighten the whole dish just before serving.

Conclusion

This Pear Salad with blue cheese is a celebration of contrasts: sweet meets savory, crunchy meets creamy, and simple ingredients become something elegant and memorable. With just a handful of fresh produce and a rich honey mustard dressing, you get a salad that’s not only delicious but also beautiful on the table.

Whether you make this for a special dinner, weekend brunch, or a nourishing lunch, it’s guaranteed to turn heads and satisfy appetites. If you tried this recipe, leave a ⭐️ star rating and a comment below — we’d love to hear how it turned out!
📌 Don’t forget to save it to Pinterest or share on Facebook to inspire friends and family.
What variation did you try — extra nuts, a different cheese, or a twist on the dressing? Let us know in the comments!

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Can I use apples instead of pears?

Yes! Crisp, sweet apples like Honeycrisp or Fuji work wonderfully and add a similar crunch.

What nuts are best for this salad?

Walnuts are classic, but pecans or toasted almonds add a lovely flavor and varied texture.

How do I store leftover salad?

Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Add the blue cheese fresh before serving again.

Is this salad gluten‑free?

Absolutely — all ingredients are naturally gluten‑free.

Can I make the dressing ahead of time?

Yes! The honey mustard dressing keeps well in the fridge for up to 5 days — just shake before using.