Elegant Arugula, Pear, and Blue Cheese Delight
This Elegant Arugula, Pear, and Blue Cheese Delight is a sophisticated mix of flavors that will elevate your dining experience. The peppery taste of fresh arugula pairs beautifully with the sweet, juicy slices of nashi pear and the rich, creamy crumbles of blue cheese. Topped with caramelized walnuts and drizzled with a tangy sherry wine vinegar syrup, this salad is not only a feast for the taste buds but also a stunning addition to any table. Perfect for gatherings, this dish celebrates simple yet elegant ingredients that come together in harmony.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
9
Ingredients
Ingredients
butter
2 tablespoons (Melted)
sugar
3 tablespoons (Granulated)
walnuts
3/4 cup (Chopped)
sherry wine vinegar
3 tablespoons (None)
nashi pear
1 (Cored, quartered, and finely sliced)
arugula (rocket)
1/2 cup (Fresh)
extra virgin olive oil
To taste (Drizzled)
cracked pepper
To taste (Freshly cracked)
blue cheese
50-75 g (Crumble (such as Castello))
Instructions
1
Begin by preparing the caramelized walnuts. In a medium pan over medium heat, melt the butter. Once melted, add the sugar, stirring continuously until it has dissolved and the mixture is bubbling.
2
Add the walnuts to the pan, stirring well to coat them with the buttery sugar mixture. Cook for about 5 minutes or until the walnuts are golden and caramelized, making sure to stir frequently to prevent burning.
3
Remove the pan from the heat and carefully add the sherry wine vinegar to the walnuts, stirring to combine. Pour the mixture onto a tray lined with baking paper and allow it to cool completely and harden.
4
In a large mixing bowl, combine the sliced nashi pears and fresh arugula. Drizzle with extra virgin olive oil and season generously with cracked pepper. Gently toss the ingredients together with your hands to coat evenly without bruising the arugula.
5
To serve, arrange a generous pile of the pear and arugula mixture on a serving plate. Crumble the blue cheese over the top, then add the caramelized walnuts.
6
Finish by drizzling the salad with the sherry syrup from the cooled walnuts. Serve immediately for the best flavor and freshness.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the main name of this recipe?
The recipe is titled Elegant Arugula, Pear, and Blue Cheese Delight.
What is the primary leafy green used in this salad?
The salad features fresh arugula, also known as rocket.
Which type of pear is recommended?
The recipe calls for one nashi pear.
What kind of cheese is used in this dish?
A rich and creamy blue cheese, such as Castello, is used.
How are the walnuts prepared?
The walnuts are caramelized in a pan with butter and sugar, then finished with sherry wine vinegar.
Is this recipe suitable for vegetarians?
Yes, this dish is categorized as vegetarian.
What type of vinegar is used for the syrup?
Sherry wine vinegar is used to create the tangy syrup.
How long should I cook the walnuts?
Cook the walnuts for about 5 minutes or until they are golden and caramelized.
How should the nashi pear be prepared before serving?
The pear should be cored, quartered, and finely sliced.
What kind of oil is used for the dressing?
Extra virgin olive oil is used to coat the arugula and pear mixture.
How much blue cheese is needed?
The recipe suggests using between 50 to 75 grams of crumbled blue cheese.
What is the quantity of walnuts required?
You will need 3/4 cup of chopped walnuts.
How do I prevent the walnuts from burning during caramelization?
You should stir the mixture frequently over medium heat to prevent burning.
What seasoning is added to the greens?
The salad is seasoned generously with freshly cracked pepper.
When do I add the sherry wine vinegar?
Add the vinegar after removing the pan from the heat once the walnuts are caramelized.
How should the caramelized walnuts be cooled?
Pour them onto a tray lined with baking paper to allow them to cool and harden completely.
How should I toss the arugula to avoid damage?
Gently toss the ingredients with your hands to coat them evenly without bruising the arugula.
What serves as the final drizzle for the salad?
The salad is finished with the sherry syrup left over from the cooled walnuts.
Is this recipe considered a gourmet appetizer?
Yes, it is described as a sophisticated and gourmet dish suitable for an appetizer.
How many tablespoons of sugar are required?
The recipe uses 3 tablespoons of granulated sugar.
What is the first step in the instructions?
The first step is to melt the butter in a medium pan over medium heat to prepare the walnuts.
Should the salad be served immediately?
Yes, it should be served immediately for the best flavor and freshness.
How much arugula is used in the recipe?
The recipe calls for 1/2 cup of fresh arugula.
What is the texture of the finished walnuts?
The walnuts should be golden, caramelized, and hardened once cooled.
How much butter is used to caramelize the walnuts?
Two tablespoons of butter are required for this process.
What is the preparation style for the walnuts?
The walnuts should be chopped before being added to the pan.
Can I adjust the amount of oil and pepper?
Yes, both extra virgin olive oil and cracked pepper are added to taste.
How do you assemble the final plate?
Arrange the pear and arugula mixture, crumble cheese on top, add walnuts, and finish with syrup.
What is the overall flavor profile of the dish?
It is a mix of peppery, sweet, juicy, rich, creamy, and tangy flavors.
Is this dish recommended for special occasions?
Yes, it is described as a stunning addition to any table and perfect for gatherings.