Elegant Blue Cheese and Pear Salad with Apricot Vinaigrette
Elevate your salad game with this Elegant Blue Cheese and Pear Salad featuring a delightful apricot vinaigrette. This recipe combines the crispness of fresh salad greens with the sweetness of ripe Bartlett pears and the rich, tangy flavor of blue cheese. Dried apricots and toasted almonds add a delightful texture and nutty flavor. Perfect for gatherings or as a refreshing side dish, this salad can be prepped ahead of time, allowing the ingredients to meld beautifully. Enjoy this vibrant dish that balances sweet, savory, and creamy elements in every bite.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
12
Ingredients
Ingredients
apricot nectar
1/2 cup (canned, such as Kerns)
olive oil
1/3 cup (extra virgin recommended)
white wine vinegar
1/3 cup
Dijon mustard
1 tablespoon
salt
1/2 teaspoon (adjust to taste)
scallions
3 (finely chopped)
dried apricot
1/2 cup (snipped)
Bartlett pears
6 (ripe, cored and cut into wedges)
mixed salad greens
10 cups (torn)
radicchio
2 cups (finely shredded)
blue cheese
8-10 ounces (cut into wedges)
toasted almonds
3/4 cup (coarsely chopped)
Instructions
1
In a large bowl, whisk together the apricot nectar, olive oil, white wine vinegar, Dijon mustard, and salt until well combined.
2
Stir in the snipped dried apricots and finely chopped scallions into the dressing.
3
Add the cored and wedge-cut Bartlett pears, tossing gently to ensure they are evenly coated in the dressing. Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes and up to 3.5 hours to allow flavors to meld.
4
When ready to serve, prepare a large serving platter and layer the mixed salad greens evenly at the base.
5
Sprinkle the finely shredded radicchio over the salad greens for added color and crunch.
6
Using a slotted spoon, carefully remove the pear wedges from the dressing and lay them artistically over the radicchio.
7
Top the salad with the blue cheese wedges and sprinkle the toasted almonds generously over everything.
8
For a lovely finishing touch, drizzle the reserved apricot vinaigrette over the whole salad or serve it on the side for guests to add as they please.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the main name of this salad recipe?
The recipe is titled Elegant Blue Cheese and Pear Salad with Apricot Vinaigrette.
What type of pears are recommended for this dish?
Bartlett pears are recommended for their sweetness and texture.
How long should the pears marinate in the dressing?
Pears should be refrigerated in the dressing for at least 30 minutes and up to 3.5 hours.
What ingredients make up the apricot vinaigrette?
The vinaigrette consists of apricot nectar, olive oil, white wine vinegar, Dijon mustard, salt, scallions, and dried apricots.
Is this recipe suitable for vegetarians?
Yes, this salad is vegetarian-friendly.
How much blue cheese is required for this recipe?
You will need 8-10 ounces of blue cheese, cut into wedges.
What type of greens are used in the base?
The recipe calls for 10 cups of mixed salad greens, torn into pieces.
How should the radicchio be prepared?
The radicchio should be finely shredded to add color and crunch.
What kind of oil is recommended for the dressing?
Extra virgin olive oil is recommended for the best flavor.
How many pears do I need to prepare?
The recipe requires 6 ripe Bartlett pears.
How should the toasted almonds be prepared?
The almonds should be toasted and coarsely chopped.
What brand of apricot nectar is suggested?
Canned apricot nectar, such as Kerns, is suggested.
Can I prepare this salad ahead of time?
Yes, the pears can marinate for up to 3.5 hours, allowing the flavors to meld before assembly.
How should the pears be cut?
The pears should be cored and cut into wedges.
What is the purpose of adding radicchio?
Radicchio adds a vibrant color and a pleasant crunch to the salad.
How much Dijon mustard is used?
The recipe uses 1 tablespoon of Dijon mustard.
How should the dressing be served?
You can drizzle the reserved vinaigrette over the salad or serve it on the side.
How many scallions are needed?
You will need 3 scallions, finely chopped.
How should the dried apricots be processed?
The dried apricots should be snipped into small pieces.
What are the flavor profiles of this salad?
The salad balances sweet, savory, and creamy elements with a nutty finish.
What type of vinegar is best for this dressing?
White wine vinegar is used in this specific recipe.
How much toasted almonds are used?
The recipe calls for 3/4 cup of toasted almonds.
Is there a specific way to layer the salad?
Start with greens, then radicchio, followed by pear wedges, blue cheese, and finally almonds.
How much salt is included?
The recipe includes 1/2 teaspoon of salt, though you can adjust to taste.
What tool is used to remove pears from the dressing?
A slotted spoon is recommended to remove the pears carefully.
Is this salad appropriate for parties?
Yes, it is described as perfect for gatherings or as an elegant side dish.
How much apricot nectar is required?
The recipe requires 1/2 cup of apricot nectar.
Should the salad be served on a plate or a platter?
The instructions suggest preparing it on a large serving platter.
What is the texture of the finished salad?
It features crisp greens, soft pears, creamy cheese, and crunchy nuts.
How much radicchio is needed?
The recipe uses 2 cups of finely shredded radicchio.