Dinner

Pear Salad with Blue Cheese and Rocket Recipe

ByAiden Wells February 12, 2026February 12, 2026

Introduction

This Pear Salad with Blue Cheese and Rocket is a delightful combination of sweet, tangy, and savory flavors. Juicy pears, crunchy toasted walnuts, and creamy blue cheese come together atop fresh peppery rocket leaves for a fresh and elegant salad perfect for any occasion.

A white bowl filled with a fresh salad on a white marbled surface, starting with a base layer of bright green arugula leaves, topped with thin slices of pale yellow pear with brown edges, scattered light brown walnut pieces, and chunky bits of creamy blue cheese with blue veins. The salad is drizzled with a light golden dressing. Around the bowl, there is a small glass container with a block of blue cheese, a few pear slices, a partial pear half, and a knife with a wooden handle. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

1 1/2 – 2 pears (any type, juicy and ripe, or nashi pears or sweet apples)
3/4 cup walnuts (whole, substitute almonds or pecans if preferred)
120g / 4oz rocket/arugula lettuce
120g / 4oz Roquefort, Gorgonzola, Stilton, or other good blue cheese (creamy but crumbled into chunks)
1 1/2 tbsp Dijon mustard
1 1/2 tbsp honey
1 1/2 tbsp cider vinegar
1 1/2 tbsp vegetable or olive oil
1/4 tsp salt
1/8 tsp black pepper

Instructions

Step 1: Make the dressing by combining the Dijon mustard, honey, cider vinegar, vegetable or olive oil, salt, and black pepper in a jar. Shake well until fully mixed.
Step 2: Prepare the pears by halving them and scooping out the cores. Place each half cut side down and slice into 3mm (0.12″) thin slices.
Step 3: Spread the walnuts on a baking tray and toast in a 180°C (350°F) oven for about 8 minutes until fragrant. Leave some walnuts whole and break others in half by hand for texture variety.
Step 4: In a large bowl, toss the rocket leaves with 2 tablespoons of the dressing to lightly coat.
Step 5: To assemble, pile one-third of the dressed rocket on a serving platter. Scatter one-third each of the pear slices, toasted walnuts, and crumbled blue cheese over the rocket. Repeat this layering two more times to create three layers in total. Drizzle the remaining dressing over the top just before serving.

Tips & Variations

For added crunch and sweetness, try adding dried cranberries or thinly sliced fennel to the salad.
If blue cheese is too strong, substitute with crumbled feta or goat cheese for a milder flavor.
Use a mix of different pear varieties or swap in sweet apples for a twist on the classic taste.
Lightly drizzle extra honey over the finished salad if you prefer it sweeter.

Storage

Store leftover salad components separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator. The dressed rocket is best eaten fresh, but the pears and walnuts can be kept up to 1 day. Combine and dress the salad just before serving to maintain freshness and prevent sogginess.

How to Serve

This image shows a close-up of a fresh salad with several green arugula leaves forming the base layer, creating a lush, leafy texture and bright green color. On top of the salad are thin, pale yellow slices of pear with smooth skin edges, layered gently over the greens. Small chunks of blue cheese with white and blue mold spots are sprinkled lightly across the dish, adding a crumbly texture and contrasting color. A few pieces of brown walnut add rough texture and earthy tone. A silver fork is piercing a piece of arugula and blue cheese near the center, with the woman's hand holding it partially visible in the background. The overall scene is set against a white marbled texture. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I prepare the salad ahead of time?

It’s best to prepare the ingredients in advance but assemble and dress the salad just before serving to keep the greens crisp and prevent the pears from browning.

What can I use if I don’t have blue cheese?

You can substitute blue cheese with feta, goat cheese, or even shaved parmesan for a different flavor profile that still complements the pears and walnuts.