This post may contain affiliate links. Read my disclosure policy. I absolutely adore a well-balanced salad with a variety of textures and flavors, and this Autumn Salad truly hits the spot. The sweetness of ripe pears combined with a honey Dijon dressing, crunchy pecans, and creamy gorgonzola cheese make for a delectable fall dish that is simply irresistible.
Fall Salad with Pears and Gorgonzola
This Autumn Salad with Pears and Gorgonzola is a delightful and healthy addition to any fall table. The harmonious blend of fresh ingredients creates a burst of flavor in every bite. It is a simple yet elegant side dish that is perfect for quick dinners or holiday gatherings. For more autumn salad ideas, be sure to try our Leftover Turkey Harvest Cobb Salad and Autumn Kale Salad with Chicken.
Why You’ll Love This Autumn Salad Recipe
I enjoy incorporating apples or pears into my fall salads for that perfect crunch and touch of sweetness. Add in some pecans for that extra crunch, along with some creamy cheese, and you have a winning combination. This recipe has been a favorite of mine since I first shared it back in October 2008 when I started this website. It’s a dish that I find myself making over and over again each fall.
Perfect Blend of Flavors: The sweetness of the pears and honey complements the sharpness of the gorgonzola and red wine vinegar.
Quick and Easy: This fall salad comes together in just minutes–simply prepare the vinaigrette, slice the pear, and toss everything in a large bowl.
Dietary Restrictions: This healthy autumn salad caters to various diets, including vegetarian, Weight Watchers-friendly, and low-carb lifestyles.
If you recreate this fall salad recipe, I would love to see your creation. Feel free to tag me in your photos or videos on Instagram, TikTok, or Facebook!
Autumn Salad Ingredients
Featuring a harmonious blend of sweet, salty, and tangy flavors, you will want to enjoy this autumn salad all season long. Refer to the recipe card below for precise measurements.
Pears: Any ripe pears, such as Bartlett, Bosc, or Anjou, will work beautifully.
Gorgonzola: This pungent cheese adds a delightful contrast to the sweet pears.
Leafy Greens: Opt for a mix of greens, such as baby greens, baby spinach, arugula, or radicchio, for added texture.
Pecans: These nuts contribute a satisfying crunch.
Autumn Salad Dressing: Red wine vinegar, Dijon mustard, honey, salt, black pepper, and olive oil combine to create a flavorful dressing.
How to Make Autumn Salad
Follow these simple steps to prepare this easy fall salad with pears and gorgonzola. Detailed instructions can be found in the recipe card below.
Make the Vinaigrette: Whisk together the ingredients for the autumn salad dressing in a bowl or jar.
Prepare the Salad: Combine the greens, pears, gorgonzola, and pecans in a large bowl.
Serve: Drizzle the vinaigrette over the salad, toss to coat, and enjoy.
Variations
For a slight twist on this autumn salad, consider these variations:
Fresh Fruit: Substitute apples for pears.
Dried Fruit: Incorporate dried cranberries or dates.
Cheese: Swap gorgonzola for blue cheese or goat cheese.
Nuts: Try walnuts or almonds in place of pecans.
Onions: Add thinly sliced shallots or red onion.
Acid: Use apple cider vinegar or lemon juice instead of red wine vinegar.
Sweetener: Opt for maple syrup in place of honey.
What to Serve with This Autumn Salad
Offering a great balance of flavors, this impressive yet simple autumn salad is perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a festive Thanksgiving feast. Here are some serving suggestions:
Storage
Enjoy Immediately: It’s best to consume the salad right after tossing it together to prevent the greens from wilting and the pear from browning.
Prep Ahead: If you plan on serving this autumn harvest salad for Thanksgiving and want to prepare in advance, make the vinaigrette and chop the pecans a day ahead.
More Autumn Salad Recipes You’ll Love
If you enjoyed this Autumn Salad with Pears and Gorgonzola, be sure to check out our other delightful fall salad recipes:
Prep: 5 minutes
Cook: 0 minutes
Total: 5 minutes
Yield: 6 servings
In a small bowl, mix vinegar, mustard, honey, salt and pepper. Whisk in olive oil and blend.
In a salad bowl combine baby greens, pears, gorgonzola cheese and pecans.
When you are ready to serve, add the vinaigrette and toss well. Serve immediately.
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Serving: 1 /6th, Calories: 175 kcal, Carbohydrates: 12 g, Protein: 3 g, Fat: 13 g, Saturated Fat: 3 g, Cholesterol: 7 mg, Sodium: 192 mg, Fiber: 3 g, Sugar: 7 g .
