This Pear, Walnut & Gorgonzola Salad is perfect for fall! Loaded with fresh pears, walnuts, dried cranberries, sunflower seeds, red onions, and gorgonzola cheese, it’s ideal for holidays and fall gatherings!
So. I had an interesting conversation with Ellia last night. One I wasn’t expecting….and one that made me realize we’re entering a new stage. No, it wasn’t about girl drama or body image or school….although we have those conversations, too. But this one was different. This one was bigger.
It all started when my {pregnant} sister called the other day to let me know she was having contractions. Since my parents are out of town and we’re next in line to watch their boys in the event she goes into labor, this is something we needed to know. It turns out it was a false alarm…but apparently, it got Ellia thinking. About families. And babies. And the fact that she REALLY wants us to have another one.
I guess this shouldn’t come as a huge surprise to me. Ellia loves spending time with Myla and I often refer to her as the “mini mom” because of how much she helps out with her sisters. But another baby!?!? Not gonna happen.
So I explained that to Ellia, who proceeded to ask me if we could adopt. Or be foster parents. Or both. And specifically, if we could adopt an older child. Maybe a girl her age or a couple years older (?) And she was insistent. Even when I talked about the challenges it would bring with it. It was the type of conversation that makes me realize Ellia is growing up. And becoming even more of the loving, compassionate person she is. And that she’s thinking…about big issues…and that this might be the most rewarding stage of parenting yet. The seasoned stage….where we can really start to see some of the fruits of our labors.
It’s a season of parenting that feels a little like fall, and fall harvest, and this gorgeous Pear, Walnut & Gorgonzola Salad. It’s not bright eyed and bushy-tailed, like Strawberry Spinach Salad or Tomato, Cucumber & Feta Salad, but it’s something different. Something unique. Something that’s perfect for right now. I can see myself making Pear, Walnut & Gorgonzola Salad all fall and winter long. For holidays and get togethers and lunches and dinners. Because it’s THAT delicious! And so easy to keep the ingredients on hand. Pear, Walnut, & Gorgonzola Salad for the fall & winter win! And I’ll keep you posted on conversations with Ellia…because I’m sure there are many more to come.
Pear, Walnut & Gorgonzola Salad
Ingredients
- 10 ounces mixed greens
- 1 large or 2 small pears chopped
- 3/4 cup gorgonzola cheese
- 1/2 cup dried cranberries
- 1/2 cup chopped walnuts
- 1/2 cup diced red onion
- 2 Tablespoons sunflower seeds
Dressing:
- 1/4 cup + 2 Tablespoons olive oil
- 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
- 2 Tablespoons water
- 2 Tablespoons honey
- 1/2 teaspoon ginger
- 1/2 teaspoon poppy seeds
Instructions
- Layer salad ingredients in a large salad bowl.
- Combine dressing ingredients in a lidded container and shake well.
- Pour dressing over salad & toss.
Jess says
You know I love your salads – this one is no exception. Perfect flavors for Fall, all rolled into one! Sounds like your gal is growing up to be a lovely young lady – that’s the sweetest part Cathy! 🙂
Maureen says
This sounds scrumptious! I make one similar but w/o the craisins or pumpkin seeds. I also use toasted pecans instead of walnuts in mine and a homemade balsamic vinaigrette…but I can’t wait to try yours!! I LOVE FALL SALADS!!!
I think you’re relationship with your daughter is a real blessing! It’s so nice to see, as you say, the ‘fruits of your labor’ and to see what a kind and loving heart she has! The apples never do fall very far…
Thanks for all your delicious hard work!
Cathy Trochelman says
I love fall salads too, Maureen! And thank you for your kind words! <3
LL says
This was VERY delicious, although I didn’t see any green onions in the ingredients list. It makes a lot!
Becca says
What could be substituted for pears? I don’t like any kind of pear(it’s a texture thing, never liked them as a baby or kid).
Cathy Trochelman says
My first thought is apples! You could also grapes or berries.
Ashley says
Hello! I just found this recipe and I am going to make for Christmas dinner. I plan on making it early in the afternoon, though (1:00-2:00), and will eat around 5:00. Will the pears get soggy? I don’t plan to put the dressing on until right before dinner. Let me know! Thank you!!
Cindy says
This look delish and I’m definitely going to try it out. Just wanted to point out that your description says green onions and the recipe and photos show red????
Cathy Trochelman says
Ooooh good catch! I’ll change it now! 😉
Kellie says
The ginger in the dressing, is it fresh or ground ginger?
Cathy Trochelman says
I used ground ginger. Thanks for clarifying!
Debbie Gonzalez says
Hi I saw the recipe pear, walnuts and Gorgonzola. Can you substitute another cheese?
Cathy Trochelman says
Yes! Any type of cheese you like. Feta, goat cheese, or Parmesan would be my top choices.
Julie says
This is delicious! I added some chopped bacon. My husband really liked it too.