Pear & Blue Cheese Delight Salad
Indulge in the perfect blend of sweet and savory with this Pear & Blue Cheese Delight Salad. Crisp, fresh greens are complemented by the delicate sweetness of Anjou pears and the rich, tangy flavor of crumbled blue cheese. Toasted walnuts add a satisfying crunch, while a simple homemade dressing of lemon juice and oils ties the dish together beautifully. This salad is not only delicious but also visually appealing, making it a fantastic appetizer or side dish for any occasion. Serve it chilled for a refreshing experience!
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
10
Ingredients
Ingredients
Anjou pear
1 (sliced thin)
toasted walnuts
1 cup (toasted)
crumbled Stilton cheese
1/2 cup (crumbled (or any blue cheese))
arugula
2 heads (torn)
romaine lettuce or spring greens
1 head (torn or chopped)
lemon juice
2 tablespoons (freshly squeezed)
walnut oil
1 teaspoon
olive oil
4 tablespoons
salt
to taste
pepper
to taste
Instructions
1
In a large bowl, combine the torn romaine lettuce and arugula. Gently toss them together to mix.
2
In a separate small bowl, whisk together the lemon juice, walnut oil, olive oil, salt, and pepper to create a dressing.
3
Drizzle the dressing over the mixed greens, tossing lightly to coat all the leaves evenly.
4
Divide the dressed greens evenly onto four plates.
5
Top each plate with crumbled blue cheese, toasted walnuts, and four slices of the thinly sliced Anjou pear.
6
Serve immediately, enjoying the delightful combination of flavors and textures.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the main flavor profile of the Pear & Blue Cheese Delight Salad?
This salad features a perfect blend of sweet and savory flavors, combining delicate pear sweetness with rich, tangy blue cheese.
What type of pear is recommended for this recipe?
The recipe specifically calls for Anjou pears, which provide a delicate sweetness and crisp texture.
Can I use a different type of cheese instead of Stilton?
Yes, while Stilton is suggested, you can use any variety of blue cheese or similar tangy crumbled cheese.
What kind of greens are used in this salad?
The salad uses a mix of torn romaine lettuce and arugula, though spring greens can be used as a substitute for romaine.
How should the pear be prepared?
The Anjou pear should be thinly sliced into four slices per plate.
Is the Pear & Blue Cheese Delight Salad vegetarian?
Yes, this recipe is vegetarian-friendly.
What ingredients are in the homemade dressing?
The dressing is made by whisking together lemon juice, walnut oil, olive oil, salt, and pepper.
How should the walnuts be prepared?
The walnuts should be toasted to add a satisfying crunch to the salad.
What is the serving size for this recipe?
The instructions describe dividing the ingredients evenly onto four plates.
How do I ensure the greens are evenly coated?
Drizzle the dressing over the mixed greens and toss them lightly to coat all the leaves before plating.
Can I use spring greens instead of romaine?
Yes, the recipe allows for the substitution of romaine lettuce with spring greens.
Is this salad intended as a main course or a side?
This salad is designed to be a fantastic appetizer or side dish for any occasion.
How should the salad be served for the best experience?
It should be served chilled and immediately after assembly to maintain freshness.
What adds the 'crunch' factor to this salad?
Toasted walnuts provide the primary crunch in this dish.
How much walnut oil is required?
The recipe calls for 1 teaspoon of walnut oil.
Is the lemon juice used in the dressing fresh?
Yes, the recipe specifies 2 tablespoons of freshly squeezed lemon juice.
What is the recommended amount of blue cheese?
You should use 1/2 cup of crumbled Stilton or your preferred blue cheese.
How much olive oil is used in the dressing?
The dressing requires 4 tablespoons of olive oil.
How many heads of arugula are needed?
The recipe requires 2 heads of arugula, torn into pieces.
Should the dressing be mixed in the same bowl as the greens?
No, it is recommended to whisk the dressing in a separate small bowl before drizzling it over the greens.
What seasoning is used in the salad?
Salt and pepper are added to taste within the dressing.
How do I prepare the romaine lettuce?
The romaine lettuce should be either torn or chopped before mixing with the arugula.
What is the primary visual appeal of the salad?
The combination of fresh greens, white cheese, toasted nuts, and sliced pears makes it visually appealing for guests.
How many ingredients total are in this recipe?
There are 10 ingredients in total.
Can I make this salad ahead of time?
While the greens can be pre-mixed, it is best served immediately after dressing and topping to prevent wilting.
What is the role of walnut oil in the dressing?
Walnut oil enhances the nutty flavor profile established by the toasted walnuts.
Are there any specific tags associated with this recipe?
Tags include salad, pear, blue cheese, walnuts, arugula, romaine, appetizer, healthy, fresh, and vegetarian.
Does the recipe specify a amount of salt and pepper?
No, salt and pepper should be added 'to taste' depending on your preference.
What type of Stilton is used?
The recipe calls for crumbled Stilton cheese.
Is this salad considered a healthy option?
Yes, it is tagged as 'healthy' and consists primarily of fresh greens, fruit, nuts, and healthy oils.