Elegant Spinach and Roquefort Salad with Pear and Walnuts
This Elegant Spinach and Roquefort Salad brings together the freshness of baby spinach, the creaminess of Roquefort cheese, and the sweetness of ripe pears for a delightful mix of textures and flavors. Ideal for a light lunch or as a stunning side dish, this salad is perfect for any occasion. Feel free to substitute the pear with melon for a refreshing twist or add crispy fried bacon bits just before serving for a savory crunch. The combination of rich cheese and creamy dressing elevates this salad, making it a crowd-pleaser that will leave your guests asking for more!
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
8
Ingredients
Ingredients
baby spinach leaves
8 ounces (washed and dried)
walnuts
2 ounces (roughly chopped)
ripe juicy pear
1-2 (peeled and cubed)
Roquefort cheese
3 ounces (mashed)
single cream
5 fluid ounces (added to cheese)
chopped chives
1 tablespoon (added to dressing)
salt
to taste (for seasoning)
pepper
to taste (for seasoning)
Instructions
1
Start by thoroughly washing and drying the baby spinach leaves. Remove any tough stalks and tear the larger leaves into manageable pieces.
2
In a mixing bowl, use a fork to mash the Roquefort cheese until crumbly. Gradually add the single cream while mixing until you achieve a smooth and creamy dressing.
3
Fold in the chopped chives to the cheese mixture, seasoning with salt and pepper according to your personal taste preferences.
4
In a large salad bowl, combine the well-prepared spinach, roughly chopped walnuts, and cubed ripe pear.
5
Drizzle the cheese dressing over the salad ingredients and toss gently to ensure everything is evenly coated.
6
Serve immediately for the freshest taste, or chill briefly before serving to let the flavors meld together.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the main base of the Elegant Spinach and Roquefort Salad?
The salad uses fresh baby spinach leaves as the main base.
What type of cheese is featured in this recipe?
The recipe features Roquefort cheese, known for its creamy and pungent profile.
How is the dressing for the spinach salad prepared?
The dressing is made by mashing Roquefort cheese and gradually mixing it with single cream and chopped chives.
Can I substitute the pear in this salad?
Yes, you can substitute the ripe pear with melon for a refreshing twist.
What can I add for a savory crunch?
You can add crispy fried bacon bits just before serving for an extra savory crunch.
How should the spinach leaves be prepared?
Spinach leaves should be thoroughly washed, dried, and have any tough stalks removed before being torn into manageable pieces.
What nuts are used in this salad?
The recipe calls for roughly chopped walnuts.
What kind of cream should be used for the dressing?
The recipe specifies using 5 fluid ounces of single cream.
How should the pear be prepared before adding it to the salad?
The pear should be peeled and cubed.
Is it better to serve the salad immediately?
While it can be served immediately for the freshest taste, chilling it briefly can help the flavors meld together.
What herbs are used in the dressing?
One tablespoon of chopped chives is added to the dressing.
How much baby spinach do I need?
You will need 8 ounces of baby spinach leaves.
What is the recommended method for mashing the cheese?
Use a fork to mash the Roquefort cheese until it is crumbly before adding the cream.
What seasoning is recommended for the dressing?
The dressing should be seasoned with salt and pepper according to your personal taste.
How many ingredients are in this recipe in total?
There are a total of 8 ingredients listed for this recipe.
Is this salad suitable for a light lunch?
Yes, it is described as ideal for a light lunch or as a stunning side dish.
How do you combine the dressing and the salad?
Drizzle the cheese dressing over the spinach, walnuts, and pear, then toss gently to coat evenly.
What texture should the pear have?
The recipe calls for a ripe, juicy pear for the best flavor and texture.
How much Roquefort cheese is required?
You will need 3 ounces of Roquefort cheese.
How many pears should I use?
The recipe suggests using 1 to 2 pears depending on your preference.
What tags are associated with this recipe?
Tags include salad, spinach, roquefort, pear, walnuts, lunch, snack, light meal, and creamy dressing.
How much walnut should be added?
The recipe calls for 2 ounces of walnuts.
Can this salad be served at parties?
Yes, it is described as a crowd-pleaser that is perfect for any occasion.
Is the dressing smooth or chunky?
The instructions state to mix until you achieve a smooth and creamy dressing.
Should the walnuts be whole or pieces?
The walnuts should be roughly chopped.
Is this recipe considered a complex dish?
No, it involves simple steps of preparing fresh ingredients and mixing a quick dressing.
What is the primary flavor profile of this salad?
It is a mix of fresh greens, creamy rich cheese, and sweet fruit.
Does the recipe include instructions for washing the greens?
Yes, step one specifically mentions thoroughly washing and drying the baby spinach leaves.
When should the chives be added?
Chives are folded into the cheese and cream mixture while preparing the dressing.
Can I use different greens instead of spinach?
While baby spinach is the traditional base for this specific recipe, you could experiment with other tender greens if desired.