Pear Gorgonzola Salad with Fig Dressing Recipe
This Pear Salad is the perfect side for a fall gathering or the holiday table. Juicy ripe pears, arugula, spiced nuts, pomegranate seeds, dried currants and gorgonzola are all tossed in a flavorful Vanilla Fig Dressing to create the most delicious balance of flavors.
How to Make the Best Pear Gorgonzola Salad with Fig Dressing
This Pear Gorgonzola Salad with Fig Dressing is the perfect addition to any fall gathering or holiday table. The combination of juicy ripe pears, peppery arugula, creamy gorgonzola, and toasted spiced nuts creates a sophisticated yet approachable side dish that’s sure to impress.
What makes this salad truly special is the vanilla fig dressing—a subtle balance of sweet, tangy, and aromatic flavors that ties everything together. The fig jam provides natural sweetness, while the balsamic vinegar adds depth and complexity. Topped with pomegranate seeds and dried currants, every bite offers delightful pops of tart and sweet flavor.
The beauty of this recipe is its flexibility. You can prepare the spiced nuts ahead of time and make the dressing in advance, which means assembly is quick and easy right before serving. It’s an elegant dish that tastes like you’ve spent hours in the kitchen, when in reality it comes together in minutes.
Pear Gorgonzola Salad with Fig Dressing
This Pear Salad is the perfect side for a fall gathering or the holiday table. Juicy ripe pears, arugula, spiced nuts, pomegranate seeds, dried currants and gorgonzola are all tossed in a flavorful Vanilla Fig Dressing to create the most delicious balance of flavors.
Ingredients
Spiced Nuts
Fig Dressing
Salad
Instructions
Spiced Nuts
- Preheat oven to 350°F (a toaster oven works here too).
- In a small bowl, toss the nuts and seeds with the maple syrup until well coated, then mix in the salt and spices.
- Spread out on a parchment-lined sheet pan and bake 10-15 minutes, stirring halfway through, until toasted and golden.
- Remove from heat and immediately "fluff" with a fork. Let cool completely. You can prepare this ahead of time—just resist eating them all before making the salad. You'll need at least 1/2 cup for the salad.
Fig Dressing
- Whisk all ingredients together in a small bowl until combined.
Assembly
- In a large bowl (not your serving bowl), toss the arugula, red onion, 1/2 cup spiced nuts, pomegranate seeds, currants, and gorgonzola cheese lightly with the dressing until perfectly coated.
- Taste and season with salt and pepper if desired.
- Add the pears, carefully tossing so they don't break.
- Place the salad in the serving bowl and garnish with more spiced nuts, gorgonzola, and pomegranate seeds if desired.
Notes
- A mix of nuts and seeds adds nice texture, but feel free to use just one or two kinds.
- The spiced nuts can be made ahead and stored in an airtight container.
- Choose pears that are ripe but not overly soft for best slicing.
