Easy Roasted Pears, Arugula, and Stilton Cheese Salad

If you’re looking for an elegant salad full of fall flavors, this roasted pear, arugula, and Stilton cheese salad is the perfect choice. The sweetness of baked pears combined with peppery arugula, the rich, creamy texture of Stilton cheese, and some toasted walnuts make an ordinary salad something special. Whether serving it as a side dish or a light lunch, this is a delicious way to celebrate seasonal ingredients. 

I think this salad will make its way to our Thanksgiving dinner table this year, and it is perfect for Sunday favorites with Cindy and Mary Ann.

What kind of pear is best for this fresh arugula salad?

For this recipe, which includes baking, I like to use red Anjou pears because they are sweet and can withstand baking temperatures without getting mushy. However, strictly speaking of flavor, The Spruce Eats thinks that the best pears for a salad are Bartlett pears because of how sweet and juicy they are.

How do I stop pears from browning once I slice them?

When sliced and exposed to air, pears’ flesh tends to brown quickly. To prevent this, pour some freshly squeezed lemon juice over the pears immediately after cutting them. This will make for a much better presentation when serving.

The equipment you’ll need

• Sharp knife
• Melon baller
• Baking dish
• Large bowl or platter for serving

The ingredients

• Stilton cheese (or any sharp blue cheese or gorgonzola cheese)
• Salad greens (I like to use Arugula)
• Freshly squeezed lemon juice
• Ripe pears (I use Anjou pears, but feel free to use your favorite variety of juicy pears)
• Walnuts
• Fresh apple cider
• Brown sugar
• Extra virgin olive oil

How to prepare and serve arugula pear salad with Stilton cheese

1. Spread 1/2 cup walnut halves on a baking sheet and toast under the broiler or in a sautée pan on medium heat.
2. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees.
3. Slice the pears in half length-wise. Cut a small slice off the rounded sides of each pear half so that they will sit flat in the baking dish.
4. Using a melon baller, scoop the core and seeds out of the pear halves. Then, with a small, sharp paring knife, carefully remove the stems. Immediately pour freshly squeezed lemon juice over the top of the pears to prevent browning.
5. Gently place small cubes of Stilton cheese in the pears’ rounded cavity and top with the toasted walnuts.
6. In a small bowl, mix the brown sugar and apple cider and set aside.
7. Pour the cider mixture over the top of the pears and around the sides. Place the baking dish with the pears in it, in the oven for 30 minutes. Baking them really brings out the sweetness of the pears.
8. While the pears are cooling, mix your salad dressing in a small bowl and toss the arugula. I use olive oil, Dijon mustard, and a splash of white wine vinegar. 
9. Spread the dressed arugula on a serving platter and top with the pears once they have reached room temperature.
10. If you have leftover pears, place them in an airtight container and store them in the refrigerator. Before serving, let them come to room temperature, and prepare some fresh arugula. 

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Here are a few more favorite finds this week:

Effie’s Biscuits

Whenever I visit my sister, I discover many things I love! Like Effie’s. She served these delicious biscuits on a cheese board. They are unlike any other cracker I’ve had. They are more of a cross between a biscuit and a cracker- lightly sweet, with a touch of salt. They are perfect with cheese, salami, or even marmalade.

Serena & Lily Sale + FREE Shipping

Serena & Lily is having their SALE OF THE YEAR! Some of my favorites include side tables for 40% off. My sister has the Kennington Martini Table beside a chair in her guest room. It would be perfect in the living room, too!

My favorite lamp is 50% off! If you’ve had your eye on the Como Petite Table Lamp, now is the time to add it to cart. It comes in four colors and different shade options. I love the warmth of the raffia shades, and the Dark Honey base makes it perfect!

Feather Wallpaper is one of Serena & Lily’s most popular wallpapers, and now they have a removable option! The removable option is renter-friendly and great for anyone who wants a more simplified installation process. Serena & Lily has seven removable wallpaper options, some of which are up to 51% off. At this price, I may line my drawers with it!

The Teak Step Stool is everyone’s favorite sturdy step stool that you never mind having out. It comes in three colors and is 41% off with free shipping.

I love these Fairfax Vases, which come in two colors and three sizes. My sister had two small vases, and we used them with two bunches of Trader Joe’s flowers (Chamomile and sunflowers) and greens from her backyard. The small vases are on sale for $38 each, and they ship free!

You know I love a little wicker in every room! How cute are these Wicker Christmas Trees from Serena & Lily?

My favorite finds from Quince this week!

I’ve found your new Christmas candle! It’s called Spiced Pine, and it’s $24 or two for $40. It’s comparable to Diptyque candles. It has a 60-hour burn time and is hand-poured in the US.

Everyone is getting a Mongolian Cashmere Ribbed Beanie in their stocking this Christmas! They are $29.90, and they have over 1,800 5-star reviews! They come in 10 colors and two sizes!

Let’s see what Cindy and Mary Ann found this week!

Cindy Hattersley Design

Classic Casual Home

If you enjoyed this salad, you might also enjoy these fun fall salads

• Thanksgiving salad
• Simple French carrot salad