Baked Pear and Gorgonzola Salad with Candied Pecans

This Baked Pear and Gorgonzola Salad combined with the sweetest Candied Pecans and savory homemade dressing is so refreshing. A combination of 3 simple ingredients that makes the best side dish to any meal or during those warmer days having this as your lunch is perfection!

When the weather is nice I always get in the mood for salads. Thank goodness it is finally spring in New Jersey because I am over the cold days.

Salads just make me think of spring and summer days.  This salad has me envisioning myself sitting outside on the deck with the sun beating down on my face and a glass of rose in my hand.

If you've never had baked pears before you're in for a treat. They are super simple to make and once roasted they bring a sweet and savory flavor to your salad that really enhances the taste.

Looking for more delicious salads then you need to try this super easy Cucumber Tomato and Avocado Salad and my Homemade Strawberry Vinaigrette Dressing is to die for!

Ingredients for this savory salad

For the salad -

• greens - spinach or a spring mix is my favorite type of greens to use for this recipe.
• gorgonzola cheese - a crumbly and soft textured cheese with a nutty aroma.
• bosc pears - bosc pears make a great addition to a salad. Feel free to use any pears you wish, but I believe bosc pears are the best to use in salads.  They have a sweet flavor to them that compliments greens to the T! Make sure the pear you use is ripened.

For the dressing -

• olive oil - extra virgin olive oil is the best type of oil to use when making homemade salad dressing. It adds a strong peppery flavor to the mix.
• white balsamic vinegar - this balsamic vinegar has a floral and fruity taste with a sweet finish.
• Dijon mustard - adding in this ingredient gives your dressing a creamy consistency.
• thyme -a peppery and sweet seasoning that has a strong taste to it.
• salt and pepper - these are staples that only enhance your dressing that much more.
• pure maple syrup - this ingredient brings a tinge of sweetness to the dressing.
• lemon - the juice of half a lemon

For the pecans -

• pecans - pecans add a crunchiness to the salad that really gives this dish what it needs.
• coconut sugar - this is a natural plant-based sugar. I like using this sugar over granulated sugar for the added health reasons.

Directions for this dish

Step-by-step directions to make this healthy salad!

Step 1 - In a small mixing bowl whisk together olive oil, white balsamic vinegar, dijon mustard, thyme, salt and pepper, pure maple syrup, and lemon juice.

Step 2 - Heat a small non-stick skillet to medium heat and add your pecans and sugar. Shake the pan and stir the pecans to make sure they are coated with the sugar. If you find the sugar isn't sticking add in a tablespoon of butter. Continue cooking until sugar starts to turn dark brown.

Step 3 - Put coated pecans on a plate lined with a paper towel to cool. Once cooled you can break them up to the desired consistency. Halve your pears and then thinly slice them.

Step 4 - Preheat the oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit and line your pears on a baking sheet. Sprinkle them lightly with salt and pepper then bake them for 10 minutes. Flip them and sprinkle salt and pepper on this side of the pear then bake them for an additional 5 minutes. Remove from oven and let cool.

Step 5 - To assemble the salad, place greens in the bottom of four bowls or plates. Then add the pears on top of each, then top with crumbled gorgonzola and candied pecans. Drizzle the salad dressing on top and devour!

Equipment

• fruit squeezer - if you want to use a fresh lemon here is an easy fruit squeezer.
• whisk - for mixing the dressing ingredients.
• baking tray - for roasting those delicious juicy pears.

Substitutions and Variations

Pecans - here are some other nuts that you can also use in place of the pecans. You could also try almonds, walnuts, pecans, pistachios, cashews, or even hazelnuts.

Coconut Sugar - if you've never had coconut sugar and want to substitute in a different kind you can use granulated sugar or light brown sugar.

Greens - there are many different types of greens you can use for your salad as lettuce. Here are some options to try out. You can use spinach, arugula, kale, romaine, or I prefer a spring mix.

Variations - Here are some add-ins that you can try that would only enhance this delicious salad. Want some protein? Add in some grilled chicken or shrimp. A fresh sliced avocado also sounds heavenly.

Make it Vegan - just omit the cheese or use vegan-friendly cheese.

How can the kids help

Here are some fun ways to have your kids help you make this dish.

• Have your child help you mix in all the ingredients to make the dressing.
• My daughter also loves using a fruit squeezer. I put my lemon slice into the juice squeezer and add it to my dressing that way.
• Have your child line up the pears on the baking sheet and sprinkle them with salt and pepper.

Tips and FAQ's

Here are some more easy salad recipes you MUST-TRY

If you give this recipe a try don't forget to rate the recipe below! Always love hearing what you all think. You can also Stay in touch with me through social media on @Instagram, Pinterest, and Facebook. Don't forget to tag me when you try one of my healthy recipes!