Imagine a salad that transforms ordinary greens into a culinary masterpiece that dances on your taste buds! This Pear and Blue Cheese Walnut Salad is not just a dish, it's a sensory experience that combines the creamy richness of blue cheese, the sweet crunch of fresh pears, and the earthy depth of toasted walnuts. Perfect for impressing dinner guests or treating yourself to a restaurant-quality meal at home, this recipe proves that salads can be both incredibly delicious and elegantly simple.
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: -
Total Time: 10 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 4 cups mixed greens
- 1 pear, sliced
- 1/2 cup blue cheese, crumbled
- 1/2 cup walnuts, toasted
- 1/4 cup balsamic vinaigrette
Instructions
- Prepare the ingredients by washing the mixed greens thoroughly and spinning or patting them dry to remove excess moisture.
- Toast the walnuts in a dry skillet over medium heat for 3-4 minutes, stirring frequently to prevent burning. Remove from heat and let cool slightly.
- Wash the pear and slice it thinly, using a sharp knife to create elegant, uniform slices. For best presentation, cut the pear just before serving to prevent browning.
- In a large salad bowl, spread the mixed greens as a base, creating an even layer that will serve as the foundation of the salad.
- Arrange the pear slices artfully across the top of the mixed greens, spacing them evenly for visual appeal.
- Sprinkle the crumbled blue cheese over the pear slices, ensuring a balanced distribution of cheese throughout the salad.
- Scatter the toasted walnuts over the salad, adding a delightful crunch and nutty flavor to the dish.
- Just before serving, drizzle the balsamic vinaigrette evenly over the salad, using just enough to lightly coat the ingredients without overwhelming them.
- Gently toss the salad to ensure all ingredients are lightly coated with the vinaigrette and well combined.
- Serve immediately to enjoy the crisp greens, sweet pears, tangy blue cheese, and crunchy walnuts at their peak freshness.
Tips
- • Always toast your walnuts just before serving to maximize their flavor and crunch. Watch them carefully to prevent burning. • Choose a ripe but firm pear for the best texture and sweetness. Bosc or Anjou pears work wonderfully in this recipe. • For the most vibrant salad, slice the pears just before serving to prevent browning. • Use high-quality blue cheese for the most intense flavor - a creamy Roquefort or Gorgonzola can elevate this dish. • Invest in a good balsamic vinaigrette or make your own for a personalized touch. • Serve immediately after dressing to maintain the crisp texture of the greens and prevent wilting.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 280kcal
Carbohydrates: 15g
Protein: 10g
Fat: 22g
Saturated Fat: 6g
Cholesterol: 20mg
