Autumn Kale Salad with Pears, Blue Cheese & Candied Walnuts

This Autumn Kale Salad with Pears, Blue Cheese & Candied Walnuts is everything you love about fall in one bowl — crisp, sweet, tangy, and nutty. The hearty kale base holds up beautifully to the rich blue cheese and crunchy walnuts, while juicy pears add a refreshing sweetness. Tossed with a light maple-Dijon vinaigrette, it’s an elegant side or a satisfying light meal that feels like autumn in every bite.

Why You’ll Love This Salad 🍂
🍐 Perfect Fall Flavors: Juicy pears, tangy cheese, and crunchy candied walnuts.
🥬 Hearty & Fresh: Kale stays crisp even when dressed — great for make-ahead meals.
🍯 Sweet-Savory Balance: Maple dressing ties all the flavors together beautifully.
🌿 Easy & Elegant: Comes together in just 15 minutes but looks restaurant-worthy.

Ingredients You’ll Need

• 1 large bunch kale, stems removed and leaves chopped
• 2 ripe pears, thinly sliced
• ½ cup crumbled blue cheese (or goat cheese if preferred)
• ½ cup candied walnuts (see tip below)
• ¼ cup dried cranberries (optional for color and sweetness)
• Salt and pepper, to taste

Maple-Dijon Vinaigrette

• 3 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
• 1 tbsp maple syrup
• 1 tsp Dijon mustard
• Pinch of salt and pepper

How to Make Autumn Kale Salad with Pears, Blue Cheese & Candied Walnuts

Step 1 – Massage the Kale:
Place chopped kale in a large bowl. Drizzle with a small amount of olive oil and a pinch of salt. Gently massage the leaves for 1–2 minutes until slightly softened and deep green.

Step 2 – Make the Dressing:
Whisk together olive oil, apple cider vinegar, maple syrup, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper in a small bowl until smooth and emulsified.

Step 3 – Assemble the Salad:
Add sliced pears, crumbled blue cheese, candied walnuts, and dried cranberries to the kale. Pour over the dressing and toss until evenly coated.

Step 4 – Serve & Enjoy:
Transfer to a serving bowl or platter and top with extra walnuts or cheese for garnish.

Tips for the Best Autumn Salad

🍐 Use ripe but firm pears (like Bosc or Bartlett) for the perfect texture.
🍯 Make quick candied walnuts by toasting them with honey or maple syrup in a skillet for 3–4 minutes.
🥬 Massage the kale — it makes all the difference in texture and flavor.
🧀 Swap blue cheese for feta or goat cheese if you prefer a milder taste.

What to Serve With It

This salad pairs beautifully with:

• Herb-Crusted Prime Rib
• Maple-Butter Roast Turkey
• Roasted Pork Loin with Apples
• Butternut Squash Risotto
• Warm crusty bread and a glass of white wine 🍷

FAQs

Can I make this salad ahead of time?
Yes! Assemble the salad (without dressing) a few hours ahead, then toss with vinaigrette right before serving.

How long does it last in the fridge?
Once dressed, it stays fresh for up to 2 days thanks to the hearty kale.

Can I use other fruits?
Absolutely — apples, figs, or pomegranate seeds also complement the flavors beautifully.

Conclusion

This Autumn Kale Salad with Pears, Blue Cheese & Candied Walnuts is a fall favorite that’s crisp, flavorful, and beautifully balanced. Whether it’s served at a cozy dinner for two or a festive holiday table, it’s a simple way to bring elegance and seasonal freshness to your meal. 🍂🥗🍐