This Pear Gorgonzola Salad is a fresh, elegant combination of sweet, salty, and creamy flavors—perfect as a light starter or a refined side dish for any occasion.
This Pear Gorgonzola Salad brings together classic Italian-inspired flavors in a simple yet elegant way. Creamy gorgonzola cheese, delicate Parma ham, and peppery arugula create a perfect balance of textures and taste, with juicy pears adding a natural sweetness.
It’s a light, sophisticated dish that works beautifully for both everyday meals and special occasions.
How to choose the best ingredients for Pear & Gorgonzola Salad
Gorgonzola cheese: Choose a milder variety of gorgonzola for a more balanced flavor, though both types have a distinct sharpness and aroma. This cheese pairs beautifully with sweet pears and is hard to replace in this recipe.
Pears: Use ripe but still firm pears. They should be slightly soft, but not too delicate—this way they will hold their shape and add a nice texture to the salad.
Parma ham: Parma ham has a unique flavor and aroma that’s difficult to substitute. Authentic Parma ham is produced in a specific region of Italy and is marked with a crown symbol on the packaging—this guarantees its origin and quality.
Pecan nuts: You can substitute pecans with walnuts if needed. While the flavor is slightly different, caramelizing them with butter and honey brings out a similar richness.
Balsamic vinegar of Modena: Choose a high-quality balsamic vinegar made from cooked grape must and wine vinegar. A good balsamic adds depth and a perfect sweet-acidic balance to the salad.
Top Tip for Success
If you're going to make this recipe, make sure to follow this top tip!
- If you keep the dressing separate, you can easily pack this salad for lunch the next day—it will stay fresh and crisp.
- Add grilled or roasted chicken to turn this salad into a more filling main dish.
- Slice pears just before serving to prevent browning.
- Toast the nuts lightly to enhance their flavor and crunch.
- Tear the Parma ham into smaller pieces for better distribution in every bite.
- Balance the flavors—if the cheese is very strong, add a bit more pear or dressing.
- Serve slightly chilled or at room temperature for the best taste.
- Drizzle the dressing just before serving to keep the salad fresh and vibrant.
More inspiration for exciting and healthy salads
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Pear Gorgonzola Salad
Ingredients
Method
- Wash and dry the rocket well. Put on a salad bowl.
- Wash the pears, peel and cut the nests in half, and cut into eighths. Put on the rocket.
- Cut the pecans into smaller pieces and roast them in a pan with butter and honey.
- I pour gorgonzola into pieces and put it in a salad bowl.
- Then cool the nuts and sprinkle them on the salad.
- In a cup, mix the honey, balsamic vinegar, and oil. Pour over the salad with the mixed dressing.
- Serve alone or with toasted bread.Bon Appetit!
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