Autumn Bliss Salad with Pears, Gorgonzola, and Pecans
Indulge in the flavors of fall with this delightful Autumn Bliss Salad. Featuring a bed of fresh, crisp baby greens, this vibrant dish is adorned with sweet, juicy slices of ripe pears and the creamy richness of crumbled Gorgonzola cheese. Toasted pecans add a satisfying crunch, while a sweet and tangy Honey Mustard Dressing ties all the elements together beautifully. This elegant salad makes for a perfect accompaniment to roasted meats, or can be enjoyed as a light, refreshing meal all on its own.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
11
Ingredients
Ingredients
Mixed baby greens
2-3 ounces (washed, dried)
Ripe pear
1/2 (cored, sliced thin)
Pecans
1/4 cup (toasted, coarse chopped)
Gorgonzola cheese
4 tablespoons (crumbled)
Balsamic vinegar
1 tablespoon (none)
Rice vinegar
1 tablespoon (none)
Honey
2 tablespoons (none)
Dijon mustard
2 teaspoons (none)
Walnut oil
1 tablespoon (none)
Salt
to taste (none)
Pepper
to taste (none)
Instructions
1
To prepare the Honey Mustard Dressing, combine balsamic vinegar, rice vinegar, honey, Dijon mustard, and walnut oil in a small jar with a tight-fitting lid.
2
Shake vigorously until all ingredients are thoroughly blended and emulsified. Season the dressing with salt and pepper to taste.
3
If you are not serving the salad immediately, refrigerate the dressing until you are ready to serve. Let it rest at room temperature for about 30 minutes before using for the best flavor.
4
On chilled salad plates, create a beautiful base with the mixed baby greens, ensuring an even distribution.
5
Arrange thin slices of ripe pear over the greens for a burst of sweetness.
6
Generously sprinkle the salad with toasted and coarsely chopped pecans and crumbled Gorgonzola cheese.
7
Drizzle the dressing lightly over the salad before serving, adjusting the amount to your preference.
8
Toss gently just before enjoying to combine flavors. Savor every bite!
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Autumn Bliss Salad?
It is a fall-inspired salad featuring baby greens, ripe pears, Gorgonzola cheese, and toasted pecans.
What type of greens are used in this recipe?
The recipe calls for 2-3 ounces of mixed baby greens that have been washed and dried.
How should the pear be prepared for the salad?
You should use 1/2 of a ripe pear, cored and sliced thin.
What kind of cheese is added to the salad?
The salad features 4 tablespoons of crumbled Gorgonzola cheese.
How are the pecans prepared?
The pecans should be toasted and then coarsely chopped before being sprinkled over the salad.
What are the ingredients in the Honey Mustard Dressing?
The dressing consists of balsamic vinegar, rice vinegar, honey, Dijon mustard, walnut oil, salt, and pepper.
How do you make the dressing?
Combine all dressing ingredients in a small jar with a tight-fitting lid and shake vigorously until emulsified.
Can I make the dressing in advance?
Yes, you can refrigerate the dressing until you are ready to serve.
What is the best temperature for the dressing when serving?
If refrigerated, let the dressing rest at room temperature for about 30 minutes before using for the best flavor.
Is this Autumn Bliss Salad vegetarian?
Yes, this recipe is tagged as vegetarian.
How should the salad be plated?
Create a base of mixed greens on chilled plates, arrange pear slices on top, then add pecans and Gorgonzola.
When should the dressing be added to the salad?
Drizzle the dressing lightly over the salad just before serving.
When should the salad be tossed?
Toss the salad gently just before enjoying to combine all the flavors.
What does this salad pair well with?
It makes an elegant accompaniment to roasted meats or can be a light standalone meal.
What kind of oil is used in the dressing?
The recipe uses 1 tablespoon of walnut oil.
How much honey is required for the dressing?
The dressing requires 2 tablespoons of honey.
What types of vinegar are used in the Honey Mustard Dressing?
The recipe uses 1 tablespoon each of balsamic vinegar and rice vinegar.
How much Dijon mustard is needed?
The recipe calls for 2 teaspoons of Dijon mustard.
Are the pecans raw or toasted?
The pecans should be toasted for a satisfying crunch.
How many ingredients are in the total recipe?
There are 11 ingredients in total.
What is the flavor profile of the dressing?
The dressing is described as sweet and tangy.
Is this salad suitable for fall?
Yes, it is specifically designed to feature the flavors of fall.
How much Gorgonzola is recommended per batch?
The recipe suggests 4 tablespoons of crumbled Gorgonzola.
Should the salad plates be warm or cold?
The instructions recommend using chilled salad plates.
What provides the crunch in the salad?
Toasted and coarsely chopped pecans provide the crunch.
What provides the sweetness in the salad?
The ripe pear slices and the honey in the dressing provide the sweetness.
Is the dressing shaken or stirred?
The dressing should be shaken vigorously in a jar.
How are the greens prepared before plating?
The baby greens should be washed and dried thoroughly.
Can the amount of dressing be adjusted?
Yes, you should adjust the amount of dressing to your personal preference.
What is the overall texture of the salad?
The salad offers a mix of crisp greens, juicy pears, creamy cheese, and crunchy pecans.