American Easy

Pear and Blue Cheese Salad with Pistachios

Name: Pear and Blue Cheese Salad with Pistachios
Prep time: PT20MINUTES
Total time: PT30MINUTES
Yield: 4 servings
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1/2 cup English cucumber (halved and sliced thin); 1/2 tsp salt; 1 whole red bell pepper (diced); 1 whole pear (ripe but firm, sliced thin); 1/4 cup red onion (thinly sliced); 1/4 cup dried cranberries; 6 cups mixed greens or Bibb lettuce; 3 tbsp olive oil; 1 tbsp cider vinegar; 1/4 cup blue cheese (crumbled); 1/4 cup pistachios (toasted); 1/4 tsp black pepper

A crisp, balanced salad with salty blue cheese and toasted nuts

vegetariangluten-freequicklunchdinner

— (0 ratings)

⏱️ 30 minutes Total Time

🍽️ 4 Serves

235 Calories

5g Protein

18g Carbs

18g Fat

Why This Recipe Works

Salting and draining the cucumber prevents the dressing from becoming diluted. This technique ensures the bold flavors of the blue cheese and sweet pear remain sharp and balanced.

Instructions

Toss the cucumber with salt in a colander and let it drain for 15 minutes to draw out excess moisture.

Whisk the oil and vinegar in a large bowl until the mixture looks creamy and emulsified. Stir in the drained cucumber, bell pepper, pear, onion, and cranberries. Allow the salad to stand for 5 to 20 minutes so the fruit and vegetables can marinate and the flavors can meld.

Add the lettuce, blue cheese, and pistachios. Toss gently to combine and season with salt and pepper to taste. Serve immediately while the greens are crisp and the nuts are still crunchy.