Delicious Pear Salad with Blue Cheese and Rocket
Pear Salad with Blue Cheese and Rocket
Pear Salad with Blue Cheese and Rocket is a delightful dish that combines sweet, juicy pears with flavorful blue cheese and peppery rocket (arugula). This salad is not only delicious but also visually appealing, making it an excellent choice for any occasion. Whether you are serving it as a starter at a dinner party or enjoying it as a light lunch, this salad is sure to impress.
Why Make This Recipe
There are many reasons to make this Pear Salad with Blue Cheese and Rocket. First, it is incredibly easy to prepare, requiring just a few fresh ingredients that are packed with flavor. This salad brings together different textures and tastes—crunchy walnuts, creamy blue cheese, and sweet pears—creating a harmonious blend in every bite. Additionally, it is a healthy option, offering a balance of nutrients from the fresh produce and healthy fats from the walnuts. Finally, it can be customized with alternative ingredients, making it versatile for different dietary preferences.
How to Make Pear Salad with Blue Cheese and Rocket
To create this delightful salad, follow these straightforward steps:
Ingredients:
- 1 1/2 – 2 pears (any type, juicy and ripe or nashi pears or sweet apples)
- 3/4 cup walnuts (whole; you can substitute with almonds or pecans)
- 120g / 4oz rocket/arugula lettuce
- 120g / 4oz roquefort, gorgonzola, stilton or other good blue cheese (creamy but can be crumbled into chunks)
- 1 1/2 tbsp Dijon mustard
- 1 1/2 tbsp honey
- 1 1/2 tbsp cider vinegar
- 1 1/2 tbsp vegetable or olive oil
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/8 tsp black pepper
Directions:
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Dressing: Shake the dressing ingredients (Dijon mustard, honey, cider vinegar, vegetable or olive oil, salt, and black pepper) in a jar until combined.
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Pears: Halve the pears and scoop out the core. Place them cut side down and slice into thin 3mm / 0.12" slices.
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Walnuts: Spread the walnuts on a tray and toast them in a 180°C / 350°F oven for about 8 minutes, or until they smell nutty. Leave some whole and break others in half.
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Dress Rocket: In a large bowl, toss the rocket with 2 tablespoons of the dressing.
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Assemble: Pile one-third of the rocket on a platter. Scatter one-third of the pears, walnuts, and blue cheese. Repeat this two more times. Drizzle the remaining dressing over the salad just before serving.
How to Serve Pear Salad with Blue Cheese and Rocket
Serve the Pear Salad with Blue Cheese and Rocket as a beautiful centerpiece for your dining table. It pairs well with grilled meats or can be enjoyed on its own as a light meal. Consider adding a slice of crusty bread on the side to complete the meal.
How to Store Pear Salad with Blue Cheese and Rocket
This salad is best served fresh. However, if you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 day. Keep the dressing separate until you are ready to serve to prevent the greens from wilting.
Tips to Make Pear Salad with Blue Cheese and Rocket
- Choose ripe pears for the best flavor and sweetness.
- You can prepare the dressing ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator.
- For added crunch, try including other nuts like sliced almonds or pecans.
Variation
Feel free to customize this salad by adding other ingredients such as dried cranberries for sweetness, or swapping out the blue cheese for goat cheese if you prefer a milder taste.
FAQs
1. Can I use other types of cheese?
Yes, you can swap blue cheese for feta, goat cheese, or even a sharp cheddar based on your taste preferences.
2. Is this salad gluten-free?
Yes, all the ingredients in this salad are gluten-free.
3. How can I make this salad vegan?
To make this salad vegan, omit the cheese and use maple syrup instead of honey in the dressing.
Enjoy making and sharing this refreshing Pear Salad with Blue Cheese and Rocket at your next meal!
Pear Salad with Blue Cheese and Rocket
Ingredients
Salad Ingredients
- 1.5 - 2 pieces pears (any type, juicy and ripe or nashi pears or sweet apples) Choose ripe pears for the best flavor.
- 3/4 cup walnuts (whole; can substitute with almonds or pecans) Toast for added flavor.
- 120 g rocket/arugula lettuce Fresh rocket is essential for peppery flavor.
- 120 g blue cheese (such as roquefort, gorgonzola, or stilton) Use creamy cheese but crumble into chunks.
Dressing Ingredients
- 1.5 tbsp Dijon mustard For tanginess.
- 1.5 tbsp honey Can be substituted with maple syrup for a vegan option.
- 1.5 tbsp cider vinegar For acidity.
- 1.5 tbsp vegetable or olive oil Use quality oil for the best flavor.
- 1/4 tsp salt Adjust to taste.
- 1/8 tsp black pepper Freshly ground is preferable.
Instructions
Dressing Preparation
- Shake the dressing ingredients (Dijon mustard, honey, cider vinegar, vegetable or olive oil, salt, and black pepper) in a jar until combined.
Prepare Pears
- Halve the pears and scoop out the core. Place them cut side down and slice into thin 3mm (0.12 inch) slices.
Toast Walnuts
- Spread the walnuts on a tray and toast them in a 180°C (350°F) oven for about 8 minutes, or until they smell nutty. Leave some whole and break others in half.
Dress Rocket
- In a large bowl, toss the rocket with 2 tablespoons of the dressing.
Assemble Salad
- Pile one-third of the rocket on a platter. Scatter one-third of the pears, walnuts, and blue cheese. Repeat this two more times.
- Drizzle the remaining dressing over the salad just before serving.
