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This simple yet satisfying fall salad packs a flavorful punch with slightly smoky seared pears, creamy blue cheese, and ultra-crunchy candied pumpkin seeds. Tied together by a sweet-sour honey vinaigrette, it’s the perfect holiday side salad but can just as easily be bulked up with some protein like seared chicken or crumbled bacon to be a filling dinner all on its own.

Want to prep ahead of time? The dressing and candied seeds can be made up to 1 week in advance! Store the dressing in the refrigerator and shake before using. Candied seeds can be kept in an airtight container at room temperature.

Tip: If blue cheese isn’t your thing, crumbled feta or shaved ricotta salata would be great in its place.

Made this? Let us know how it went in the comment section below!

Bartlett pears (about 2 medium), quartered lengthwise and cored

apple cider vinegar or sherry vinegar, divided

(9-oz.) head of frisée or 2 medium hearts of romaine, torn into bite-sized pieces