Grilled Pear and Candied Pecan Salad with Blue Cheese
Indulge in the delightful blend of flavors with our Grilled Pear and Candied Pecan Salad. Inspired by a cooking class at the Maytag Store with the talented Barbara Tenney, this dish combines the sweetness of ripe, grilled pears with the crunch of candied pecans, all atop a bed of fresh spring mixed greens. The rich, tangy balsamic vinaigrette brightens the salad, while the crumbled blue cheese adds a creamy depth. Perfect for a refreshing summer lunch or a sophisticated dinner party, this salad is sure to impress and leave everyone asking for seconds!
4
Servings
N/A
Calories
16
Ingredients
Ingredients
water
1 cup (None)
sugar
1 cup (Divided for candied pecans and dressing use)
pecans
1 cup (None)
balsamic vinegar
1/3 cup (None)
fresh oregano, minced
2 teaspoons (Minced)
shallot, minced
1 teaspoon (Minced)
sugar
1 teaspoon (For dressing)
fresh chives
1 tablespoon (Chopped)
red onion, minced
1 tablespoon (Minced)
canola oil
1 cup (None)
ripe pears, peeled
4 (Peeled and cut into quarters)
olive oil
3 tablespoons (For grilling pears)
kosher salt
to taste (None)
fresh ground pepper
to taste (None)
spring mixed salad greens
5 cups (None)
crumbled blue cheese
1/4 cup (None)
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Prepare the candied pecans by combining water and 1 cup of sugar in a saucepan. Bring to a boil, then add the pecans and simmer for 5 minutes. Drain the pecans and spread them out on a well-greased baking sheet. Bake until golden, approximately 10 minutes, then allow them to cool. This can be prepared in advance.
2
To make the dressing, whisk together balsamic vinegar, minced shallots, 1 teaspoon of sugar, fresh chives, and minced red onion in a bowl. Slowly drizzle in the canola oil while whisking until the dressing is well combined. Season to taste with kosher salt and fresh ground pepper. You can also make this ahead of time.
3
Prepare the pears by quartering them and removing the seeds. Toss the pear quarters with olive oil, season with salt and pepper, and grill or pan-fry until they are tender but not mushy, about 15 minutes.
4
To assemble, toss the spring mixed greens with the prepared dressing. On each plate, mound the dressed greens and elegantly place the grilled pears in the center. Garnish with candied pecans and sprinkle crumbled blue cheese over the top. Serve immediately and enjoy the fusion of flavors!
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Grilled Pear and Candied Pecan Salad?
It is a sophisticated salad featuring grilled ripe pears, crunchy homemade candied pecans, and crumbled blue cheese served over spring mixed greens with a balsamic vinaigrette.
Who inspired this salad recipe?
The recipe was inspired by a cooking class at the Maytag Store led by Barbara Tenney.
How many servings does this recipe yield?
This recipe makes 4 servings.
What is the oven temperature for baking the pecans?
The oven should be preheated to 350°F (175°C) for the candied pecans.
How are the candied pecans prepared?
Combine water and sugar, bring to a boil, simmer pecans for 5 minutes, then drain and bake on a greased sheet for 10 minutes.
Can the candied pecans be made in advance?
Yes, the candied pecans can be prepared ahead of time.
What ingredients are in the balsamic vinaigrette?
The dressing includes balsamic vinegar, minced shallots, sugar, fresh chives, minced red onion, canola oil, salt, and pepper.
How do you mix the salad dressing?
Whisk the vinegar, shallots, sugar, herbs, and onion together, then slowly drizzle in the canola oil while whisking to emulsify.
Can the dressing be prepared ahead of time?
Yes, the balsamic vinaigrette can be made in advance.
How should the pears be prepared before grilling?
The pears should be peeled, quartered, and the seeds removed.
What oil is used for the grilled pears?
The pears are tossed with 3 tablespoons of olive oil before cooking.
How long does it take to grill the pears?
The pears should be grilled or pan-fried for approximately 15 minutes.
What should the texture of the pears be after grilling?
The pears should be tender but not mushy.
What kind of salad greens are used?
The recipe calls for 5 cups of spring mixed salad greens.
What type of cheese is used in this salad?
The salad is topped with 1/4 cup of crumbled blue cheese.
How is the salad assembled?
Toss greens with dressing, mound them on plates, place grilled pears in the center, and garnish with pecans and blue cheese.
Is this recipe considered vegetarian?
Yes, this is a vegetarian-friendly salad recipe.
What type of salt and pepper should be used?
The recipe recommends kosher salt and fresh ground pepper to taste.
How much sugar is used for the candied pecans?
The pecans require 1 cup of sugar for the simmering process.
What type of oil is used for the dressing?
Canola oil is used for the dressing to provide a neutral base.
Should the salad be served warm or cold?
The salad should be served immediately while the pears are freshly grilled for the best fusion of flavors.
How much balsamic vinegar is needed?
The recipe requires 1/3 cup of balsamic vinegar.
Are there any fresh herbs in the dressing?
Yes, it uses minced fresh oregano, fresh chives, and minced red onion.
Can I pan-fry the pears instead of grilling?
Yes, the instructions state you can either grill or pan-fry the pears until tender.
How many pears are needed for the recipe?
You will need 4 ripe pears.
How much water is used for the pecan syrup?
The recipe uses 1 cup of water to boil with the sugar for the pecans.
What kind of onion is used in the vinaigrette?
The dressing uses 1 tablespoon of minced red onion.
Is the sugar in the dressing the same as the sugar for the pecans?
The sugar is divided: 1 cup for the pecans and 1 teaspoon specifically for the dressing.
What is the total number of ingredients used?
There are 16 ingredients used in this recipe.
Is this salad suitable for a dinner party?
Yes, it is described as a sophisticated dish perfect for an elegant dinner party.