A light and elegant salad of juicy pears, creamy blue cheese, and walnuts tossed in lemon vinaigrette — just like Ina Garten’s signature style.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The ingredients for the Barefoot Contessa Pear and Blue Cheese Salad are delightfully simple but thoughtfully chosen. Each element enhances the dish with its color, texture, or character—creating a salad that’s as beautiful as it is delicious.
- Mixed greens (6 cups): Choose arugula, spinach, or mesclun mix for a flavorful, tender base that holds up to juicy pears and bold cheese.
- Ripe pears (2, thinly sliced): The star ingredient! Go for pears that yield gently to pressure for perfect juiciness and natural sweetness.
- Crumbled blue cheese (½ cup): This provides creamy, tangy contrast—stick with high-quality cheese for the biggest impact.
- Toasted walnuts or pecans (¼ cup): Nuts bring a crave-worthy crunch and rich, toasty flavor (pecans add extra buttery notes).
- Dried cranberries (¼ cup, optional): Their chewy sweetness is a fun pop of color and taste, but the salad shines even without them.
- Olive oil (3 tbsp): The base for a simple vinaigrette, so use a good extra virgin for the best flavor.
- Apple cider vinegar (1 tbsp): Or swap in a splash of fresh apple cider or juice for gentle acidity that highlights the pears.
- Dijon mustard (1 tsp): Adds a punch of depth and helps emulsify the dressing beautifully.
- Honey (1 tsp): Just enough to balance vinegar’s sharpness and echo the pears’ sweetness.
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste: Essential for seasoning; don’t be shy with the fresh pepper for extra zip.
How to Make Barefoot Contessa Pear and Blue Cheese Salad
Step 1: Whisk Up the Dressing
In a small bowl or a jar with a tight lid, combine the olive oil, apple cider vinegar, Dijon mustard, honey, salt, and freshly ground black pepper. Whisk (or shake, if using a jar) until the mixture turns creamy and uniform. This makes a robust, tangy-sweet vinaigrette that pairs beautifully with pears and cheese, tying the Barefoot Contessa Pear and Blue Cheese Salad together seamlessly.
Step 2: Build the Salad Base
Lay the mixed greens in a generous salad bowl. Choose your favorite combination—arugula’s peppery bite contrasts nicely with sweet pears, while spinach offers tender leafiness. This is the canvas for all those vivid flavors to mingle and shine.
Step 3: Add the Stars—Pears and Blue Cheese
Gently fan the sliced pears over the greens, then sprinkle the crumbled blue cheese evenly across the top. For the best experience, allow the cheese to reach room temperature first so its full flavor can bloom across the dish.
Step 4: Sprinkle with Nuts and Cranberries
Scatter the toasted walnuts or pecans for unbeatable crunch and richness. If you’d like an extra burst of tart-sweet flavor, toss in dried cranberries. Their ruby-red color adds a gorgeous pop too—a little visual drama for your Barefoot Contessa Pear and Blue Cheese Salad presentation.
Step 5: Dress and Toss
Drizzle your freshly whisked dressing over the salad, starting with about half and tasting as you go so every bite is flavorful but not soggy. Gently toss everything just until each piece is lightly coated and speckled with cheese, nuts, and pears.
How to Serve Barefoot Contessa Pear and Blue Cheese Salad
Garnishes
Let the natural beauty of the Barefoot Contessa Pear and Blue Cheese Salad shine with a final flourish: a few extra pearls of blue cheese, a scattering of whole nuts, or a dusting of fresh ground black pepper. If you have fresh herbs like chives or parsley, a quick snip adds color and a fragrant, garden-fresh touch.
Side Dishes
This salad’s lightness makes it an excellent companion to hearty main courses like roasted chicken, grilled steak, or a savory tart. It’s also sublime alongside homemade soup, artisan bread, or a simple risotto. The contrast of creamy cheese and crisp pears whets the appetite for what comes next.
Creative Ways to Present
To wow your guests, serve the Barefoot Contessa Pear and Blue Cheese Salad layered on a platter instead of a bowl for dramatic effect—let those pear slices shine! Make mini versions in individual bowls for an elegant starter course, or stuff the salad into endive leaves for party-ready finger food.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you find yourself with extra salad, transfer leftovers to an airtight container and refrigerate promptly. The greens may soften a bit overnight, but the flavors will still be delicious. For the crispiest results, store undressed salad and vinaigrette separately and combine just before serving.
Freezing
Freezing is not recommended for the Barefoot Contessa Pear and Blue Cheese Salad, as the tender greens, pears, and cheese do not thaw well and can become watery or mushy. It’s best enjoyed fresh or refrigerated for a short time only.
Reheating
This salad is meant to be enjoyed cold or at room temperature to preserve the integrity of the greens, fruit, and cheese. If the salad has been chilled, simply allow it to sit out for a few minutes before serving to take off the chill and maximize flavor.
FAQs
Can I substitute a different cheese for blue cheese?
Absolutely! If blue cheese isn’t your favorite, try goat cheese or feta for similar creaminess and tang. The Barefoot Contessa Pear and Blue Cheese Salad adapts well to your personal tastes while still delivering that irresistible mix of sweet fruit and salty cheese.
What kind of pears work best in this recipe?
Bosc, Anjou, or Bartlett pears are all fantastic choices. Look for pears just ripe enough to yield to gentle pressure so they’re juicy but hold their shape when sliced. You want slices sturdy enough to layer beautifully through the salad.
Can I make the dressing ahead of time?
Yes! Mix the vinaigrette up to 3 days in advance and refrigerate in a small jar. Just whisk or shake well before using, as natural separation may occur. Homemade dressing always elevates the Barefoot Contessa Pear and Blue Cheese Salad!
How can I make this salad nut-free?
If you’re avoiding nuts, simply leave them out or swap in roasted pumpkin seeds or sunflower seeds for a similar crunch factor. The salad will still have plenty of flavor and color thanks to the pears and blue cheese.
Is this salad suitable for a holiday menu?
Definitely! With its gorgeous presentation and crowd-pleasing flavors, the Barefoot Contessa Pear and Blue Cheese Salad fits right into any festive spread—from Thanksgiving and Christmas to spring brunches and summer picnics. It’s always a hit!
Final Thoughts
Sharing a bowl of Barefoot Contessa Pear and Blue Cheese Salad feels like bringing a little bit of culinary joy to the table, whether for a simple lunch or a celebratory meal. I hope you’ll give this stunning salad a try and let its beautiful flavors brighten your next gathering!
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Barefoot Contessa Pear and Blue Cheese Salad Recipe
- Total Time: 10 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Barefoot Contessa Pear and Blue Cheese Salad is a simple yet elegant salad featuring crisp mixed greens, sweet pears, tangy blue cheese, toasted nuts, and a honey-Dijon vinaigrette. The salad comes together in just 10 minutes, making it a perfect refreshing starter or a flavorful side dish for any meal.
Ingredients
For the Salad
- 6 cups mixed greens (arugula, spinach, or mesclun mix)
- 2 ripe pears, thinly sliced
- 1/2 cup crumbled blue cheese
- 1/4 cup toasted walnuts or pecans
- 1/4 cup dried cranberries (optional)
For the Dressing
- 3 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar (or apple cider/apple juice mix)
- 1 tsp Dijon mustard
- 1 tsp honey
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, apple cider vinegar, Dijon mustard, honey, salt, and freshly ground black pepper until fully emulsified. This creates a balanced, tangy-sweet vinaigrette.
- Assemble the Salad: In a large salad bowl, combine the mixed greens, thinly sliced pears, crumbled blue cheese, toasted walnuts or pecans, and dried cranberries, if using. Gently toss the ingredients together to evenly distribute the toppings.
- Add the Dressing: Drizzle the prepared dressing over the salad mixture. Toss the salad gently to coat all the ingredients evenly, taking care not to bruise the pears or greens.
- Serve: Transfer the salad to individual plates or serve directly from the bowl. Enjoy immediately for the freshest taste and texture.
Notes
- Use pears that are just ripe for the best combination of sweetness and firmness.
- Swap blue cheese for feta or goat cheese if preferred.
- The dressing can be made in advance and refrigerated for up to 3 days.
- Add grilled chicken to make this a main-course salad.
- Pecans or walnuts can be toasted in a dry skillet for extra flavor in just a few minutes.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Salads
- Method: No-cook
- Cuisine: American