Creamy Bleu Cheese and Pear Walnut Salad
Indulge in a delightful twist on a classic salad with our Creamy Bleu Cheese and Pear Walnut Salad. Featuring a rich, creamy dressing that seamlessly blends mayonnaise and sour cream with tangy bleu cheese, this salad stands apart from the traditional vinaigrette-based options. The sweetness of ripe pears balances perfectly with the crunch of glazed walnuts, while dried cranberries add a touch of tartness and vibrant color. This unique combination of flavors and textures not only makes for an appetizing starter but also serves as a fulfilling meal. Perfect for gatherings or a wholesome family dinner, this salad has quickly become a beloved staple at our table, and we can't wait for you to experience it as well!
N/A
Servings
250
Calories
11
Ingredients
Ingredients
mayonnaise
1 cup (none)
sour cream
1 cup (none)
lemon juice
1 tablespoon (freshly squeezed)
blue cheese
4 ounces (crumbled)
kosher salt
1/4 teaspoon (none)
ground black pepper
1/8 teaspoon (none)
romaine lettuce
1 head (torn into bite-sized pieces)
red leaf lettuce
1 head (torn into bite-sized pieces)
pears
2 (sliced)
glazed walnuts
1/2 cup (none)
dried cranberries
1/2 cup (none)
Instructions
1
In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, sour cream, and lemon juice until the mixture is smooth and well combined.
2
Gently fold in the crumbled bleu cheese, ensuring that the cheese is evenly distributed throughout the dressing. Season with kosher salt and ground black pepper to taste.
3
Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate the dressing for at least 30 minutes to let the flavors meld.
4
Prepare your salad by tearing the romaine and red leaf lettuces into bite-sized pieces. Arrange them in individual serving bowls or on plates.
5
Spoon a generous amount of the creamy bleu cheese dressing over the prepared lettuce.
6
Artfully arrange the sliced pears on top of the dressed greens.
7
Finish the salad by sprinkling the glazed walnuts and dried cranberries over the pears and dressing to add an extra layer of crunch and sweetness.
Nutrition Information
23g
Fat
14g
Carbs
4g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the main name of this salad recipe?
The recipe is for a Creamy Bleu Cheese and Pear Walnut Salad.
How many calories are in a serving of this salad?
Each serving contains 250 calories.
What are the primary types of lettuce used?
The salad uses one head of romaine lettuce and one head of red leaf lettuce.
Is the dressing for this salad a vinaigrette?
No, this recipe features a creamy dressing made with mayonnaise and sour cream instead of a traditional vinaigrette.
How long should the dressing be refrigerated?
The dressing should be refrigerated for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
What ingredients are needed for the dressing?
The dressing requires mayonnaise, sour cream, lemon juice, crumbled bleu cheese, kosher salt, and ground black pepper.
How much bleu cheese is required?
The recipe calls for 4 ounces of crumbled bleu cheese.
What fruits are included in this salad?
The salad includes 2 sliced pears and 1/2 cup of dried cranberries.
What type of nuts are used in this recipe?
The recipe uses 1/2 cup of glazed walnuts for added crunch and sweetness.
How should the lettuce be prepared?
The romaine and red leaf lettuces should be torn into bite-sized pieces.
Is this salad considered gluten-free?
Yes, according to the tags, this salad is gluten-free.
How much mayonnaise is used in the dressing?
The recipe uses 1 cup of mayonnaise.
How much sour cream is needed for the dressing?
The recipe uses 1 cup of sour cream.
What is the fat content per serving?
There are 23 grams of fat per serving.
How many carbohydrates are in one serving?
There are 14 grams of carbohydrates per serving.
How much protein is in this salad?
Each serving provides 4 grams of protein.
How do you prepare the pears?
The pears should be sliced before being arranged on the salad.
When should the glazed walnuts and cranberries be added?
They should be sprinkled over the pears and dressing as the final step.
What is the first step in making the dressing?
The first step is whisking together the mayonnaise, sour cream, and lemon juice until smooth.
Is freshly squeezed lemon juice required?
Yes, the recipe specifies 1 tablespoon of freshly squeezed lemon juice.
How many total ingredients are in this recipe?
There are 11 ingredients in total.
What seasonings are used in the dressing?
The dressing is seasoned with 1/4 teaspoon of kosher salt and 1/8 teaspoon of ground black pepper.
Can this salad be served as a main meal?
Yes, it is described as both an appetizing starter and a fulfilling meal.
What kind of texture do the glazed walnuts provide?
The glazed walnuts provide a crunch that balances the creaminess of the dressing.
Does the recipe include any sugar?
While the nutritional data for sugar is not specified, the recipe uses glazed walnuts and pears which contain natural and added sugars.
How is the bleu cheese incorporated into the dressing?
The crumbled bleu cheese is gently folded into the smooth mixture of mayonnaise, sour cream, and lemon juice.
What is the suggested way to arrange the salad?
Arrange torn lettuce in bowls, spoon over the dressing, artfully place sliced pears, and top with walnuts and cranberries.
Is fiber information available for this recipe?
No, the fiber content is not specified in the provided data.
What tags are associated with this recipe?
Tags include salad, blue cheese, pear, walnut, creamy dressing, healthy, appetizer, and gluten-free.
Why is the dressing refrigerated before serving?
Refrigeration allows the flavors of the different ingredients to blend together for a better taste.