Grilled Pear Salad with Gorgonzola, Toasted Walnuts & Honey Vinaigrette
This delightful salad combines the sweet, smoky flavor of grilled Bosc pears with creamy Gorgonzola cheese and crunchy toasted walnuts, all atop a bed of fresh arugula. Drizzled with a high-quality vinegar dressing and a touch of honey, this dish is perfect as an elegant appetizer or a light meal. The balance between the sweetness of the pears, the richness of the cheese, and the earthiness of the walnuts makes this salad a standout. Elevate your gathering with this easy yet impressive recipe.
4
Servings
170
Calories
6
Ingredients
Ingredients
Vinaigrette
1 (cup, good quality)
Bosc pears
2 (halved and cored)
Walnut pieces
1/4 (cup, toasted)
Gorgonzola cheese
1/4 (cup)
Honey
1 (tablespoon)
Baby arugula
4 (cups)
Instructions
1
Prepare your grill by cleaning and oiling the grate. Preheat the grill to medium-high heat.
2
Halve the Bosc pears and carefully scoop out the cores. To help them lay flat, slice a small piece off the skin side of each half.
3
Brush the cut side of the pears lightly with oil. Place the pears cut-side down on the preheated grill. Cover and grill for about 10 minutes, or until heated through and you see nice grill marks.
4
While the pears are grilling, toast the walnut pieces in a small pan over medium heat. Stir occasionally and toast until fragrant and golden brown, about 5 minutes. Remove from heat and transfer to a small bowl.
5
While walnuts are still warm, add the crumbled Gorgonzola cheese to the bowl and mix until the cheese melts slightly. Finally, stir in the honey until well combined.
6
In a separate bowl, lightly toss the baby arugula with the vinaigrette to coat. Distribute the dressed greens onto four plates.
7
Once the pears have nice grill marks, flip them over and divide the Gorgonzola-walnut mixture among the cut sides of the pears. Grill for an additional 2 minutes to warm the cheese.
8
Remove the grilled pears from the grill and place half of a pear on each salad plate. Drizzle with extra vinaigrette if desired, and serve warm.
Nutrition Information
11.25g
Fat
13.5g
Carbs
3.5g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the main components of the Grilled Pear Salad?
The salad features grilled Bosc pears, creamy Gorgonzola cheese, toasted walnuts, and fresh baby arugula with a honey vinaigrette.
How many servings does this recipe yield?
This recipe makes 4 servings.
What type of pears should I use for grilling?
Bosc pears are recommended for this recipe as they hold their shape well when heated.
How many calories are in one serving of this salad?
Each serving contains 170 calories.
How much fat is in a serving of Grilled Pear Salad?
There are 11.25 grams of fat per serving.
What is the carbohydrate content per serving?
Each serving contains 13.5 grams of carbohydrates.
How much protein is in this dish?
The salad provides 3.5 grams of protein per serving.
How should the grill be prepared for the pears?
Clean and oil the grate, then preheat the grill to medium-high heat.
How do I keep the pear halves from rolling on the grill?
Slice a small piece off the skin side of each pear half to help them lay flat.
How long do the pears need to grill initially?
Grill the pears cut-side down for about 10 minutes until they are heated through and show grill marks.
How do I toast the walnuts for this recipe?
Toast the walnut pieces in a small pan over medium heat for about 5 minutes until they are fragrant and golden brown.
What do I mix with the toasted walnuts?
Mix the warm walnuts with crumbled Gorgonzola cheese and honey.
What kind of greens are used as the base?
The recipe uses 4 cups of baby arugula.
How much Gorgonzola cheese is required?
You will need 1/4 cup of Gorgonzola cheese.
What is the purpose of adding honey to the walnut mixture?
The honey adds a touch of sweetness that balances the richness of the cheese and the earthiness of the walnuts.
When do I add the cheese mixture to the pears?
After the pears have been grilled for 10 minutes, flip them over and divide the mixture among the cut sides.
How long do the pears grill after being stuffed?
Grill them for an additional 2 minutes to warm the cheese.
How much vinaigrette is needed for the recipe?
The recipe calls for 1 cup of good quality vinaigrette.
Should the salad be served warm or cold?
The grilled pears should be served warm over the dressed greens.
What is the total number of ingredients in this recipe?
There are 6 primary ingredients: vinaigrette, Bosc pears, walnuts, Gorgonzola, honey, and arugula.
Can this salad be served as an appetizer?
Yes, it is described as an elegant appetizer or a light meal.
How do I prepare the pears before grilling?
Halve the pears, scoop out the cores, slice a small piece off the back for stability, and brush the cut side lightly with oil.
What is the texture profile of this salad?
It combines soft grilled pears, creamy cheese, and crunchy walnuts.
What flavor profile does the Bosc pear provide?
Bosc pears provide a sweet and smoky flavor when grilled.
Is this recipe suitable for autumn?
Yes, it is tagged as a fall recipe, making it perfect for the pear season.
How much honey is used in the recipe?
The recipe requires 1 tablespoon of honey.
What is the serving size for this recipe?
While the specific weight is not listed, the recipe is designed to be divided into 4 servings, typically half a pear per person.
Do I need to cover the grill while cooking the pears?
Yes, the instructions recommend covering the grill during the initial 10-minute cooking period.
How do I dress the arugula?
Lightly toss the baby arugula with the vinaigrette in a separate bowl before plating.
Can I add extra vinaigrette at the end?
Yes, you can drizzle extra vinaigrette over the final plated salad if desired.