|
One of my favorite places to take a lunch break while at our local mall is the Nordstrom Cafe. I like any excuse to go to Nordstroms and a yummy lunch is a good one.
I particularly like their tomato basil soup but they also have amazing salads. They are all yummy and I always have a hard time choosing. I decided I needed to learn to make some of them at home. One of my favorite salads is a Caramelized Walnut and Pear Salad. I think the real Nordstrom version uses Blue Cheese but since I am not a fan of it I used Gorgonzola instead.
This salad has a lot of fun flavors going on. The sweetness of the pear and the caramelized walnuts. I’ve become a big fan of walnuts recently. Then you have the crunch of the red pepper and the tang of the Gorgonzola Cheese.
Then the whole thing is topped with a yummy Champagne Vinaigrette. I had a hard time finding Champagne Vinaigrette. I did find a yummy Orange Muscat Champagne Vinegar at Trader Joes. If you can’t find a Champagne Wine Vinegar I am sure you could use a White Wine Vinegar. The vinaigrette is a combination of shallots, Dijon mustard, garlic, champagne vinegar, oil and sugar. There is only 2 Tbsp of sugar in the vinaigrette which is fairly low sugar for a dressing. Best of all, it is delicious!
This salad is pretty and delicious!
Ingredients
- 1 C Caramelized Walnuts (see recipe below)
- 1 C crumbled Gorgonzola Cheese
- 2 pears, cut in thin slices
- 1 C red pepper slices
- 1/2 C Champagne Vinaigrette (see recipe below)
- 1 C walnuts
- 1/2 C sugar
- 1 Tbsp chopped shallot
- 1 Tbsp Dijon mustard
- 2 Tbsp sugar
- 1 garlic clove, minced
- 1/2 C Champagne wine vinegar (or white wine vinegar)
- 1 1/4 C canola oil
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp pepper
Instructions
- Combine sugar and nuts in a pan on medium heat. Stir until sugar is melted and nuts are coated and begin to brown. Place on a plate to cool.
- In a bowl combine shallot, mustard, sugar, garlic, vinegar, oil, salt and pepper. Mix well using a wire whisk. Makes about 2 Cups
- Combine greens, nuts, cheese, pears and red peppers in bowl. Top with Champagne Vinaigrette.
Creations by Kara*Somewhat Simple*House of Hepworth*The 36th Avenue
|
|
I know before about Caramelized Walnut and Gorgonzola Salad. It’s my favorite one. And seem it’s also very popular now. Thanks for nice post with glassy photos.
Dangelo Moses recently posted..Nerd Gets Laid
PERFECTION!!! I was really looking for the perfect salad as a starter for a friends babys shower!
Thanks for posting this!!!!
That salad looks soooo good!
I’m definitely going to make it tonight!
We don’t have a Nordstrom in my city, but I have wonderful memories of stopping in for a salad whenever I was in Minneapolis. Thanks for the recipe — a great way to relive the memories!
Laura recently posted..Finding Your First Clients – Part Three
So sad – no Nordstroms!!!
Wow, this looks pretty yummy Leigh. Such a very perfect recipe, mouth watering, and not to mention, all healthy! I’ll sure try this one out, and by the way, it’ll be perfect to prepare this weekend, we’re having a family gathering! I bet they will like this too. Thanks!