Elegant Pear and Blue Cheese Salad
Indulge in the sophisticated flavors of this Elegant Pear and Blue Cheese Salad, where sweet, succulent pears harmonize beautifully with rich and tangy blue cheese. Enhanced by a zesty balsamic dressing and enriched with crunchy walnuts and tangy dried cranberries, this salad is a perfect balance of textures and tastes. Serve it alongside your favorite meal or enjoy it as a refreshing standalone dish. This recipe comes together quickly in under an hour and is sure to impress at any dinner table!
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
12
Ingredients
Ingredients
Pears
3 (Cored and halved)
Lemon juice
6 teaspoons (Freshly squeezed)
Water
1/3 cup (N/A)
Olive oil
2 tablespoons + 1 teaspoon (N/A)
Balsamic vinegar
2 1/4 teaspoons (N/A)
Salt
1/4 teaspoon (N/A)
Pepper
1/8 teaspoon (N/A)
Blue cheese
1/2 cup (Crumbled)
Walnuts
2 tablespoons (Chopped)
Green onions
3 tablespoons (Chopped)
Dried cranberries
1/8 cup (N/A)
Lettuce
6 cups (Butter lettuce or similar, washed and torn)
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2
Place the cored and halved pears in a baking dish with the cut side facing down. Brush the pear halves with 2 teaspoons of lemon juice.
3
Pour water and the remaining lemon juice into the baking dish around the pears.
4
Bake the pears uncovered for 15-20 minutes, or until they are tender when pierced with a fork. Once cooked, drain the pears and allow them to cool to room temperature.
5
While the pears are cooling, prepare the dressing by whisking together the olive oil, balsamic vinegar, salt, and pepper in a small bowl.
6
In a separate mixing bowl, combine the crumbled blue cheese, chopped walnuts, green onions, and dried cranberries.
7
To serve, arrange the butter lettuce evenly among four plates. Place the cooled pear halves on top, followed by the blue cheese mixture.
8
Drizzle the balsamic dressing over the salad just before serving. Enjoy your delightful and elegant salad!
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the main components of the Elegant Pear and Blue Cheese Salad?
The main components include sweet pears, tangy blue cheese, a balsamic dressing, walnuts, dried cranberries, and butter lettuce.
How many pears are needed for this recipe?
The recipe requires 3 pears that are cored and halved.
What is the recommended oven temperature for baking the pears?
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) before baking the pears.
How long should I bake the pears?
Bake the pears for 15-20 minutes until they are tender when pierced with a fork.
Should the pears be placed cut side up or down in the baking dish?
Place the pear halves in the baking dish with the cut side facing down.
What ingredients are used to make the balsamic dressing?
The dressing is a whisked mixture of olive oil, balsamic vinegar, salt, and pepper.
What type of cheese is used in this salad?
The recipe calls for 1/2 cup of crumbled blue cheese.
Are there any nuts in the Elegant Pear and Blue Cheese Salad?
Yes, the recipe includes 2 tablespoons of chopped walnuts for added crunch.
How much lemon juice is used in total?
A total of 6 teaspoons of freshly squeezed lemon juice is used for brushing the pears and adding to the baking dish.
What kind of lettuce is suggested for the base?
Butter lettuce is recommended, though similar washed and torn greens can be used.
What dried fruit is included in the blue cheese mixture?
The mixture includes 1/8 cup of dried cranberries.
How should the pears be prepared before baking?
The pears should be cored, halved, and brushed with 2 teaspoons of lemon juice.
What liquid is added to the baking dish around the pears?
A combination of 1/3 cup water and the remaining lemon juice is poured into the dish.
Should the pears be served warm?
No, once the pears are cooked and drained, they should be allowed to cool to room temperature before assembly.
How many plates does this recipe serve?
The instructions specify arranging the ingredients evenly among four plates.
What ingredients go into the separate mixing bowl for the topping?
Combine crumbled blue cheese, chopped walnuts, green onions, and dried cranberries.
When should I drizzle the dressing over the salad?
The balsamic dressing should be drizzled over the salad just before serving.
Are green onions used in this recipe?
Yes, 3 tablespoons of chopped green onions are included in the blue cheese mixture.
How much olive oil is required for the dressing?
The recipe uses 2 tablespoons plus 1 teaspoon of olive oil.
What is the amount of balsamic vinegar needed?
The recipe requires 2 1/4 teaspoons of balsamic vinegar.
Is salt and pepper included in the dressing?
Yes, it uses 1/4 teaspoon of salt and 1/8 teaspoon of pepper.
How much lettuce is needed for 4 servings?
The recipe calls for 6 cups of washed and torn butter lettuce.
Can this salad be served as a standalone dish?
Yes, it can be enjoyed as a refreshing standalone dish or as a side to your favorite meal.
How many total ingredients are used in this recipe?
There are 12 ingredients in total used for this recipe.
Is this a quick recipe to prepare?
Yes, the recipe comes together quickly in under an hour.
What is the flavor profile of the salad?
It features a balance of sweet pears, rich and tangy blue cheese, and a zesty dressing.
What textures are highlighted in this salad?
The salad balances succulent pears, crunchy walnuts, and soft butter lettuce.
Do I need to peel the pears?
The recipe only specifies that the pears should be cored and halved; peeling is optional based on preference.
Is this salad considered a healthy option?
Yes, it is tagged as a healthy salad recipe featuring fruit, nuts, and greens.
Can this recipe be used as an appetizer?
Yes, it is tagged as both a salad and an appetizer, making it a versatile elegant dish.