Gourmet Pear and Blue Cheese Salad
Indulge in a refreshing and sophisticated salad that beautifully highlights the delightful interplay between sweet, ripe pears and the sharp tang of blue cheese. This Gourmet Pear and Blue Cheese Salad combines vibrant mixed greens with the creamy richness of Roquefort cheese, accented by the crunch of toasted hazelnuts. Finished with a light hazelnut and olive oil dressing, this salad makes for an elegant yet quick lunch option that is both nutritious and bursting with flavor. Perfect for warm afternoons or as a light appetizer, this dish will impress your guests or satisfy your midday cravings.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
10
Ingredients
Ingredients
Ripe Pears
3 (Peeled, cored, and sliced)
Lemon Juice
Juice of half a lemon (For tossing pears)
Mixed Salad Leaves
6 ounces (To serve as the base)
Roquefort Cheese
6 ounces (Crumble)
Hazelnuts
2 ounces (Toasted and chopped)
Hazelnut Oil
2 tablespoons (For the dressing)
Olive Oil
3 tablespoons (For the dressing)
Cider Vinegar
1 tablespoon (For the dressing)
Dijon Mustard
1 teaspoon (For the dressing)
Salt and Pepper
To taste (For seasoning)
Instructions
1
Begin by peeling, coring, and slicing the pears into thin wedges. Toss the slices in lemon juice to prevent browning and to add a refreshing tang.
2
On a large serving platter or individual plates, artfully arrange the mixed salad leaves as the base.
3
Layer the lemon-dressed pear slices over the greens, creating a visually appealing design.
4
Evenly scatter the crumbled Roquefort cheese and chopped toasted hazelnuts over the salad to add rich, savory flavors and a delightful crunch.
5
In a screw-top jar, combine the hazelnut oil, olive oil, cider vinegar, Dijon mustard, and seasoning. Seal the jar tightly and shake vigorously until all ingredients are well-emulsified.
6
Drizzle the dressing over the salad just before serving to keep the leaves crisp, and garnish with additional hazelnuts or cheese if desired.
7
Serve immediately and enjoy!
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Gourmet Pear and Blue Cheese Salad?
It is a sophisticated salad that highlights the interplay between sweet pears and sharp blue cheese, combined with mixed greens and toasted hazelnuts.
What kind of cheese is used in this recipe?
The recipe calls for 6 ounces of crumbled Roquefort cheese.
What type of nuts are included in the salad?
The salad features 2 ounces of toasted and chopped hazelnuts for added crunch.
How do you prevent the pears from browning?
The pear slices are tossed in the juice of half a lemon to prevent browning and add a refreshing tang.
What ingredients are in the dressing?
The dressing consists of hazelnut oil, olive oil, cider vinegar, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper.
Is this Gourmet Pear and Blue Cheese Salad gluten-free?
Yes, according to the tags, this recipe is gluten-free.
How many ingredients are needed for this salad?
There are 10 main ingredients required to make this salad.
What is the best way to mix the dressing?
Combine all dressing ingredients in a screw-top jar and shake vigorously until well-emulsified.
When should I add the dressing to the salad?
Drizzle the dressing over the salad just before serving to keep the leaves crisp.
Is this salad suitable for a light lunch?
Yes, it is described as an elegant yet quick lunch option that is both nutritious and flavorful.
How should the pears be prepared?
The pears should be peeled, cored, and sliced into thin wedges.
What kind of vinegar is recommended for the dressing?
The recipe specifies using 1 tablespoon of cider vinegar.
Can I use different greens for the base?
The recipe recommends using 6 ounces of mixed salad leaves as the base.
How should I arrange the salad for serving?
Artfully arrange the salad leaves on a platter, layer the pear slices over them, then scatter the cheese and hazelnuts.
What type of mustard is used in the dressing?
One teaspoon of Dijon mustard is used to help emulsify the dressing and add flavor.
What oils are used in the dressing?
The dressing uses a combination of 2 tablespoons of hazelnut oil and 3 tablespoons of olive oil.
Is this recipe considered healthy?
Yes, it is tagged as a 'healthy eating' option and features fresh ingredients.
How many pears are needed?
The recipe requires 3 ripe pears.
Can this be served as an appetizer?
Yes, it is noted as being perfect for a light appetizer for guests.
How long does it take to prepare?
While exact times aren't listed, it is tagged as a 'quick meal' and involves simple assembly.
What does the hazelnut oil add to the dish?
The hazelnut oil complements the toasted hazelnuts in the salad and adds a rich, nutty flavor to the dressing.
Should the hazelnuts be raw?
No, the hazelnuts should be toasted and chopped for the best flavor and texture.
Can I store the dressing?
The dressing can be made in a jar and shaken, so it can be stored briefly, but should be shaken again before use.
What is the flavor profile of the salad?
The salad is a balance of sweet fruit, sharp blue cheese, and savory, nutty elements.
Does the recipe use salt?
Yes, salt and pepper are added to the dressing to taste.
What is the specific blue cheese mentioned?
The recipe specifically mentions Roquefort cheese.
How is the salad finished?
It is finished with a drizzle of dressing and an optional garnish of additional hazelnuts or cheese.
Is the salad served warm or cold?
It is served fresh and crisp, generally at room temperature or chilled, suitable for warm afternoons.
What type of pears should I use?
The recipe suggests using ripe pears to ensure they are sweet and flavorful.
Is this recipe complicated?
No, it is a quick and elegant dish focusing on fresh ingredients and simple assembly.