Oregon Harvest Pear and Walnut Salad with Artisan Blue Cheese
Experience the vibrant flavors of Oregon with this delightful Pear and Walnut Salad, featuring a perfect balance of sweetness and creaminess. Crisp mixed greens are complemented by thinly sliced ripe pears, adding a refreshing touch to the dish. Toasted walnuts elevate the texture while artisan bleu cheese, particularly the smoky variety from Rogue Creamery, adds a savory depth that harmonizes beautifully with the sweetness of honey. Finished with a light, zesty dressing, this salad is not only a feast for the eyes but also makes for a nutritious option that is ideal for brunch or a light, healthy meal.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
8
Ingredients
Ingredients
Assorted mixed greens
6 cups (washed and dried)
Pears
2 medium (thinly sliced)
Chopped walnuts
1/4 cup (toasted)
Artisan blue cheese
1/2 cup (crumbled)
Honey or agave nectar
2 tablespoons (softened if necessary)
Fresh lemon juice
2 teaspoons (freshly squeezed)
Salt
to taste
Cracked black pepper
to taste
Instructions
1
In a large salad bowl, add the assorted mixed greens.
2
Thinly slice the pears and gently fold them into the greens, ensuring they're evenly distributed.
3
In a separate small non-reactive bowl, whisk together the honey and fresh lemon juice until well combined.
4
Season the dressing with salt and cracked black pepper to taste, adjusting to your preference.
5
Drizzle the dressing over the salad mixture and toss gently to coat all ingredients evenly without bruising the greens.
6
Portion the salad onto six individual plates, ensuring a good distribution of greens and pears.
7
Top each salad with a sprinkle of toasted walnuts and crumbled artisan bleu cheese for a finishing touch.
8
Serve immediately and enjoy this vibrant salad!
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Oregon Harvest Pear and Walnut Salad?
It is a vibrant salad featuring crisp mixed greens, thinly sliced pears, toasted walnuts, and artisan blue cheese, designed to balance sweetness and creaminess.
What are the primary ingredients in this recipe?
The main ingredients include assorted mixed greens, pears, chopped walnuts, artisan blue cheese, honey or agave nectar, and fresh lemon juice.
How many servings does this salad recipe yield?
The recipe is designed to be portioned into six individual plates.
What type of greens should be used?
The recipe calls for 6 cups of assorted mixed greens that have been washed and dried.
How should the pears be prepared for the salad?
You should use 2 medium pears and slice them thinly before folding them into the greens.
Why should the walnuts be toasted?
Toasting the walnuts elevates the texture of the salad and enhances their nutty flavor.
What specific blue cheese is recommended?
The recipe suggests using an artisan blue cheese, specifically a smoky variety like those from Rogue Creamery.
Can I use a substitute for honey in the dressing?
Yes, agave nectar can be used as a substitute for honey in the dressing mixture.
How do I make the salad dressing?
Whisk together honey and fresh lemon juice in a small non-reactive bowl, then season with salt and pepper to taste.
Is this pear and walnut salad considered healthy?
Yes, it is described as a nutritious option that is ideal for a light, healthy meal.
Is this recipe suitable for brunch?
Absolutely, the flavors and presentation make it an ideal choice for brunch.
How do I prevent the greens from bruising?
When drizzling the dressing, toss the salad gently to coat all ingredients without applying too much pressure to the greens.
What seasoning is required for the dressing?
The dressing is seasoned with salt and cracked black pepper to your preference.
How many chopped walnuts are needed?
You will need 1/4 cup of toasted chopped walnuts.
How much blue cheese should I use?
The recipe calls for 1/2 cup of crumbled artisan blue cheese.
What is the honey to lemon juice ratio?
The dressing uses 2 tablespoons of honey and 2 teaspoons of fresh lemon juice.
How many total ingredients are in this recipe?
There are 8 ingredients total in this recipe.
What is the flavor profile of this salad?
It offers a balance of sweetness from pears and honey, creaminess from blue cheese, and a zesty finish from lemon juice.
Where do the ingredients for this salad typically come from?
The salad highlights flavors and ingredients characteristic of the Oregon harvest.
When should the salad be served?
It should be served immediately after assembly to enjoy its vibrant freshness.
What type of bowl should be used for the dressing?
A small non-reactive bowl is recommended for whisking the honey and lemon juice.
How should the salad be plated?
Portion the mixed greens and pears onto plates first, then top each with walnuts and blue cheese.
How do I ensure the pears are evenly distributed?
Gently fold the thinly sliced pears into the large salad bowl containing the mixed greens.
What should I do if my honey is too thick?
You should soften the honey if necessary before whisking it into the lemon juice.
How many pears are required?
The recipe requires 2 medium pears.
Does the cheese add a specific depth to the dish?
Yes, the smoky artisan blue cheese adds a savory depth that harmonizes with the sweet honey.
How much mixed greens are used?
The recipe uses 6 cups of assorted mixed greens.
What is the finishing touch for the salad?
The finishing touch is a sprinkle of toasted walnuts and crumbled artisan blue cheese over each portion.
Is the dressing heavy or light?
The dressing is described as a light, zesty dressing.
Can this be served as a main course?
It is ideal as a light meal or a starter for brunch.