

Yields:
4 - 6 serving(s)
Prep Time:
10 mins
Total Time:
40 mins
Cal/Serv:
451
This simple yet satisfying fall salad packs a flavorful punch with slightly smoky seared pears, creamy blue cheese, and ultra-crunchy candied pumpkin seeds. Tied together by a sweet-sour honey vinaigrette, it’s the perfect holiday side salad but can just as easily be bulked up with some protein like seared chicken or crumbled bacon to be a filling dinner all on its own.
Want to prep ahead of time? The dressing and candied seeds can be made up to 1 week in advance! Store the dressing in the refrigerator and shake before using. Candied seeds can be kept in an airtight container at room temperature.
Tip: If blue cheese isn’t your thing, crumbled feta or shaved ricotta salata would be great in its place.
Made this? Let us know how it went in the comment section below!
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Ingredients
- 5 Tbsp.
extra-virgin olive oil, divided
- 1 lb.
Bartlett pears (about 2 medium), quartered lengthwise and cored
Kosher salt
Freshly ground black pepper
- 3 Tbsp.
apple cider vinegar or sherry vinegar, divided
- 1/2 cup
shelled pumpkin seeds
- 2 Tbsp.
granulated sugar
- 4 tsp.
honey
- 1
(9-oz.) head of frisée or 2 medium hearts of romaine, torn into bite-sized pieces
- 2/3 cup
crumbled blue cheese
Directions
- Step 1In a large skillet over medium-high heat, heat 1 tablespoon oil until just smoking. Add pears in a single layer cut side down and cook, flipping halfway through, until golden brown on both cut sides, 4 to 6 minutes total; season with 1/2 teaspoon salt and 1/4 teaspoon pepper.
- Step 2Reduce heat to low and add 1 tablespoon vinegar. Gently stir until liquid is thickened and coats pears, 1 to 2 minutes. Transfer pears to a plate and let cool. Halve each piece of pear lengthwise.
- Step 3Wipe skillet clean and heat over medium-high heat. Toast pumpkin seeds, stirring frequently, until fragrant and just starting to brown and pop, 3 to 5 minutes. Transfer to another plate and let cool.
- Step 4In same skillet over medium heat, pour in sugar, shaking pan so it settles in an even layer. Cook, undisturbed, until sugar melts and is deep golden brown, 4 to 6 minutes. Remove from heat. Using a heatproof spatula, stir in pumpkin seeds and 1/4 teaspoon salt. When pumpkin seeds clump together with sugar, transfer to plate and let sit until cool enough to handle. Break into small, bite-sized pieces.
- Step 5In a large bowl, whisk honey and remaining 4 tablespoons oil and 2 tablespoons vinegar; season with salt and pepper. Fold in greens, gently tossing to combine; season again with salt and pepper, if needed. Top with pear slices, pumpkin seeds, and blue cheese.
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