Elegant Pear, Walnut & Blue Cheese Salad
Experience the perfect fusion of flavors with this Elegant Pear, Walnut & Blue Cheese Salad. Ideal for the colder months, this dish showcases ripe, juicy pears nestled atop a bed of peppery arugula and fresh, vibrant parsley. The toasted walnuts add a delightful crunch, while the crumbled blue cheese introduces a rich creaminess that balances beautifully with the sweetness of the pears. Drizzled with a homemade balsamic-honey dressing, this salad is not only visually stunning but also quick and easy to prepare, making it a fantastic choice for gatherings or a sophisticated weeknight meal. For an extra touch of sweetness, consider adding a drizzle of honey on top just before serving.
N/A
Servings
130
Calories
10
Ingredients
Ingredients
Pear
1 (Cored and sliced)
Arugula
3 cups (Fresh, washed)
Fresh Parsley Leaves
1/4 cup (Torn)
Walnut Halves
16 (Toasted)
Blue Cheese
1/4 cup (Crumbled)
Balsamic Vinegar
1/4 cup (None)
Honey
1 tablespoon (None)
Olive Oil
1/2 cup (None)
Pepper
1/4 teaspoon (Ground)
Seasoning Salt
1/2 teaspoon (None)
Instructions
1
In a small mixing bowl, whisk together the balsamic vinegar, honey, seasoning salt, and pepper until well combined.
2
Slowly drizzle in the olive oil while whisking vigorously to create a smooth and emulsified dressing. Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary.
3
In a large bowl, mix together the torn parsley leaves and arugula. Pour about half of the dressing over the greens and toss gently to coat.
4
Divide the dressed arugula mixture equally among four salad plates, creating a bed for the toppings.
5
Arrange the sliced pears, toasted walnut halves, and crumbled blue cheese evenly on top of each salad plate.
6
Before serving, drizzle approximately one tablespoon of the remaining dressing over each salad, adding extra honey if desired.
Nutrition Information
12.5g
Fat
8g
Carbs
2g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the main name of this recipe?
The recipe is for an Elegant Pear, Walnut & Blue Cheese Salad.
What are the primary greens used in this salad?
The salad uses three cups of fresh washed arugula and a quarter cup of torn fresh parsley leaves.
How many calories are in a serving of this salad?
There are approximately 130 calories per serving.
What type of cheese is recommended for this recipe?
The recipe calls for a quarter cup of crumbled blue cheese for a rich and creamy flavor.
What kind of nuts are included in the salad?
The salad features 16 toasted walnut halves for added crunch.
How is the salad dressing prepared?
The dressing is made by whisking balsamic vinegar, honey, seasoning salt, and pepper, then slowly drizzling in olive oil to emulsify.
What type of pear should I use?
You should use one ripe, juicy pear that has been cored and sliced.
What are the ingredients for the balsamic-honey dressing?
The dressing contains balsamic vinegar, honey, seasoning salt, ground pepper, and olive oil.
Is this salad suitable for the winter season?
Yes, it is specifically described as ideal for the colder months of fall and winter.
How much fat is in each serving?
Each serving contains 12.5 grams of fat.
How many carbohydrates does this salad have?
There are 8 grams of carbohydrates per serving.
What is the protein content of the salad?
This salad provides 2 grams of protein per serving.
How should the salad be assembled for serving?
Place the dressed greens on plates, then arrange pears, walnuts, and blue cheese on top, finishing with a final drizzle of dressing.
Can I add extra sweetness to the salad?
Yes, you can drizzle extra honey on top of the salad just before serving.
How much seasoning salt is used in the dressing?
The recipe requires 1/2 teaspoon of seasoning salt.
Should the arugula be washed?
Yes, the recipe specifies using fresh, washed arugula.
How much olive oil is needed for the dressing?
The recipe calls for 1/2 cup of olive oil.
How do I ensure the dressing is smooth?
Slowly drizzle the olive oil while whisking vigorously to create an emulsified and smooth consistency.
Should the walnuts be raw or toasted?
The walnuts should be toasted to provide the best flavor and crunch.
How much honey goes into the dressing mixture?
One tablespoon of honey is whisked into the initial dressing base.
Is this salad considered easy to make?
Yes, it is described as quick and easy to prepare, perfect for weeknight meals or gatherings.
How much balsamic vinegar is used?
The dressing requires 1/4 cup of balsamic vinegar.
How should the fresh parsley be prepared?
The fresh parsley leaves should be torn before being mixed with the arugula.
What balance of flavors does this salad offer?
It offers a balance of peppery arugula, juicy sweet pears, crunchy walnuts, and creamy blue cheese.
Can I adjust the dressing after making it?
Yes, the recipe suggests tasting the dressing and adjusting the seasoning if necessary.
How is the dressing distributed?
Half of the dressing is tossed with the greens, and the other half is drizzled over the completed salad plates.
How much dressing is drizzled over each individual salad?
Approximately one tablespoon of the remaining dressing is drizzled over each plate.
How many total ingredients are in this recipe?
There are 10 main ingredients used in this salad.
What is the preparation required for the pear?
The pear must be cored and sliced.
Does the recipe include ground pepper?
Yes, it includes 1/4 teaspoon of ground pepper in the dressing mixture.