Gourmet Pear Pomegranate Blue Cheese Delight
Indulge in a symphony of flavors with this vibrant Gourmet Pear Pomegranate Blue Cheese Delight. This salad is a masterful balance of textures and tastes, bringing together succulent pears, tangy pomegranate seeds, and creamy blue cheese, all elevated with a light and flavorful vinaigrette. Perfect for a nutrient-rich meal, this dish is as stunning to the eyes as it is nourishing to the body. Ideal for kicking off the new year on a healthy note!
2
Servings
410
Calories
12
Ingredients
Ingredients
walnut pieces
1/3 cup (toasted)
baby spinach leaves
8 cups (washed and dried)
ripe bosc pear
1 large (washed, cored and cubed)
shallot
1 large (thinly sliced (Lyonnaise cut))
blue cheese
2 ounces (crumbled)
pomegranate seeds
1/2 cup
grapeseed oil
1/4 cup
balsamic vinegar
1 tablespoon
honey
1 tablespoon
Dijon mustard
1/2 tablespoon
sea salt
1/4 teaspoon (to taste)
black pepper
1/4 teaspoon (to taste)
Instructions
1
Start by preparing the walnuts. Place them in a small skillet over medium heat and toast for about 5 minutes, stirring frequently to ensure they don't burn. Once toasted, transfer the walnuts to a bowl to cool as you prepare the rest of the salad.
2
In a small bowl or jar, combine the grapeseed oil, balsamic vinegar, honey, Dijon mustard, sea salt, and freshly ground black pepper. Whisk or shake vigorously until the mixture is thoroughly blended into a smooth vinaigrette. Taste and tweak the seasoning if needed.
3
In a large salad bowl, add the washed and dried baby spinach leaves. Pour the vinaigrette over the spinach and gently toss the leaves to ensure they are evenly coated with the dressing.
4
Carefully plate the dressed spinach onto serving plates, dividing evenly between two servings.
5
Top the spinach with an array of the juicy cubed pear pieces, followed by the delicate slices of shallot. Scatter the vibrant pomegranate seeds over the salad, and finish with a generous sprinkling of crumbled blue cheese and the cooled toasted walnuts for a perfect crunch.
Nutrition Information
30g
Fat
34g
Carbs
9g
Protein
6g
Fiber
18g
Sugar
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Gourmet Pear Pomegranate Blue Cheese Delight?
It is a vibrant, gourmet salad that balances succulent pears, tangy pomegranate seeds, and creamy blue cheese with a light vinaigrette.
How many servings does this recipe make?
This recipe is designed to make 2 servings.
What are the primary ingredients in this salad?
The main ingredients include walnut pieces, baby spinach, bosc pear, shallot, blue cheese, and pomegranate seeds.
How many calories are in one serving?
Each serving contains approximately 410 calories.
What is the total fat content per serving?
There are 30 grams of fat in each serving of this salad.
How many carbohydrates are in this recipe?
One serving contains 34 grams of carbohydrates.
How much protein does this salad provide?
This salad provides 9 grams of protein per serving.
What is the fiber content of this dish?
There are 6 grams of fiber in each serving.
How much sugar is in a serving?
Each serving contains 18 grams of sugar.
How do you prepare the walnuts?
Toast them in a small skillet over medium heat for about 5 minutes, stirring frequently until they are fragrant.
What ingredients are in the vinaigrette?
The vinaigrette consists of grapeseed oil, balsamic vinegar, honey, Dijon mustard, sea salt, and black pepper.
What type of pear is recommended?
The recipe calls for one large ripe Bosc pear.
How should the pear be prepared?
The pear should be washed, cored, and cut into cubes.
How is the shallot sliced?
The shallot should be thinly sliced using a Lyonnaise cut.
What kind of greens are used as the base?
The salad uses 8 cups of washed and dried baby spinach leaves.
Is this recipe vegetarian-friendly?
Yes, this is a vegetarian recipe.
Can I substitute the grapeseed oil?
While grapeseed oil is used for its light flavor, you could likely substitute another neutral oil or extra virgin olive oil.
What makes this salad a good choice for the New Year?
It is described as a nutrient-rich, healthy dish that is perfect for starting the year on a nourishing note.
How many ingredients are in this recipe in total?
There are 12 ingredients listed for this recipe.
How is the dressing mixed?
Whisk or shake the oil, vinegar, honey, mustard, and seasonings in a small bowl or jar until smooth.
When should the spinach be dressed?
Add the vinaigrette to the spinach in a large bowl and toss gently before plating the individual servings.
What is the final step in assembling the salad?
Finish by sprinkling crumbled blue cheese and the cooled toasted walnuts over the other toppings.
What type of vinegar is used?
The recipe requires one tablespoon of balsamic vinegar.
Does the recipe use honey as a sweetener?
Yes, one tablespoon of honey is used to balance the flavors in the vinaigrette.
What is the sodium content?
The specific sodium content is not provided, though sea salt is added to taste.
Are the pomegranate seeds fresh?
The recipe uses 1/2 cup of pomegranate seeds for a burst of color and tang.
Is Dijon mustard necessary for the dressing?
Yes, 1/2 tablespoon of Dijon mustard is used to emulsify and flavor the vinaigrette.
Should the walnuts be hot when added to the salad?
No, the instructions specify to let the toasted walnuts cool before adding them to the salad.
How many cups of spinach are used?
The recipe calls for 8 cups of baby spinach leaves.
Is there black pepper in the recipe?
Yes, 1/4 teaspoon of freshly ground black pepper is included in the vinaigrette.