Barefoot Contessa Pear and Blue Cheese Salad

Light, elegant, and full of contrasting flavors, this Pear and Blue Cheese Salad inspired by the Barefoot Contessa (Ina Garten) is a refreshing and sophisticated dish. It combines ripe pears, creamy blue cheese, crisp greens, and crunchy nuts—all brought together with a tangy homemade vinaigrette. Perfect as a starter or a light lunch, this salad is a beautiful balance of sweet, savory, and sharp.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Elegant & Easy – Looks impressive, but takes minutes to assemble.
Flavor Balance – Sweet pears, creamy cheese, and a zippy vinaigrette.
Versatile – Great for holidays, brunch, or a light meal.
Seasonal Favorite – Especially lovely in fall and winter.
Customizable – Easily swap nuts, greens, or cheese to suit your taste.

Ingredients You’ll Need

For the Salad:
6 cups mixed greens (arugula, baby spinach, or spring mix)
2 ripe but firm pears, thinly sliced
½ cup crumbled blue cheese (such as Gorgonzola or Roquefort)
½ cup candied pecans or walnuts
¼ cup thinly sliced red onion (optional)
Freshly cracked black pepper, to taste

For the Vinaigrette:
¼ cup apple cider vinegar
1 tbsp Dijon mustard
1 tbsp honey
¼ tsp salt
¼ tsp black pepper
½ cup extra virgin olive oil

Tools You’ll Need
Large salad bowl
Small bowl or jar for vinaigrette
Whisk or fork
Sharp knife and cutting board

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Make the Vinaigrette

1. In a small bowl or jar, whisk together vinegar, Dijon mustard, honey, salt, and pepper.
2. Slowly drizzle in the olive oil while whisking until emulsified.
3. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.

Step 2: Prep the Salad Ingredients

1. Wash and dry the greens.
2. Core the pears and thinly slice them—no need to peel unless you prefer.
3. Slice the red onion (if using) into thin rounds.
4. Measure out blue cheese and nuts.

Step 3: Assemble the Salad

1. In a large serving bowl, gently toss the greens with a bit of the vinaigrette.
2. Top with sliced pears, crumbled blue cheese, nuts, and red onion.
3. Drizzle with more dressing and finish with cracked black pepper.

Step 4: Serve

1. Serve immediately for the freshest flavor and best texture.
2. Optional: Add extra vinaigrette on the side.

Tips for the Best Pear and Blue Cheese Salad
Use Ripe Pears – Look for pears that are slightly soft to the touch but still firm enough to slice.
Choose Quality Cheese – Bold, crumbly blue cheese gives the salad its signature flavor.
Candied Nuts – Add sweetness and crunch (store-bought or homemade).
Serve Immediately – Best when freshly tossed to keep pears and greens crisp.
Layer the Ingredients – Build in layers for a beautiful presentation.

Serving Suggestions
Grilled Chicken – Add sliced grilled chicken for a heartier meal.
Crusty Bread – A side of sourdough or baguette rounds out the dish.
Soup & Salad – Pair with butternut squash soup or a creamy tomato bisque.
Holiday Table – Serve as a refreshing starter for Thanksgiving or Christmas dinner.

How to Store

Refrigerate (undressed):
Store leftover greens and toppings separately from the vinaigrette. Keeps well for up to 2 days.

Vinaigrette:
Refrigerate in a sealed jar for up to 1 week. Shake well before using.

Do Not Freeze:
This salad does not freeze well due to the fresh produce and cheese.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What kind of pears are best?
   Bosc or Anjou pears hold their shape and have great flavor.
2. Can I use a different cheese?
   Yes—try goat cheese, feta, or shaved Parmesan for a milder option.
3. What if I don’t like blue cheese?
   Use a tangy aged cheddar or omit it entirely and boost the nuts.
4. Can I prep this salad ahead?
   Yes—slice pears last to avoid browning, and keep components separate until serving.

Final Thoughts
This Barefoot Contessa Pear and Blue Cheese Salad is a delicious mix of texture and taste—fresh, creamy, crunchy, and tangy all at once. Whether you’re entertaining guests or enjoying a solo lunch, this salad feels indulgent yet wholesome. It’s everything you love about classic Ina Garten style: simple, elegant, and full of flavor.

Try it once, and it’ll be your go-to salad for any season!

Preparation Time: 15 minutes
Cooking Time: None
Cuisine: American

Nutritional Information (Per Serving):
Calories: 290 | Protein: 6g | Carbohydrates: 18g | Fat: 23g | Fiber: 3g | Sodium: 340mg

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