Delicious Pear Blue Cheese Salad Recipe

If you’re looking to elevate your salad game with a touch of elegance, look no further than the Barefoot Contessa Pear Blue Cheese recipe. Inspired by Ina Garten herself, this salad is a harmonious blend of creamy blue cheese, sweet pears, crunchy nuts, and tangy vinaigrette. It’s the perfect dish to impress guests or indulge in a special lunch moment.

I still remember the first time I made this Pear and Blue Cheese Salad for my book club potluck – it was a hit! Since then, it has become my go-to recipe whenever I want to add a special touch to a meal. The combination of flavors and textures in this salad never fails to delight, from the creamy blue cheese to the crisp greens and toasted nuts. Plus, the tangy lemon vinaigrette ties everything together beautifully.

Whether you’re hosting a gathering or simply treating yourself to a delicious meal, the Barefoot Contessa Pear Blue Cheese salad is sure to be a crowd-pleaser. With each bite, you’ll savor the timeless pairing of sweet pears and tangy cheese, all brought together in a simple yet elegant dish that celebrates good ingredients and great flavors.

Quick Benefits

• Vibrant Flavors: The salad combines creamy blue cheese with sweet pears, crunchy nuts, and tangy vinaigrette for a burst of flavors in every bite.
• Versatile Ingredients: Easily swap blue cheese for feta or goat cheese, pecans for walnuts, or pears for apples based on personal preferences or seasonal availability.
• Special Occasion Worthy: Impress guests or enjoy an elegant lunch with this simple yet sophisticated salad that always feels like a celebration.
• Pairing Perfection: Serve as a starter for roast chicken or fish, enjoy a satisfying lunch with added grilled chicken or prosciutto, and complement the meal with a crusty baguette or crisp white wine for a complete dining experience.

Why You’ll Love This Delicious Pear Blue Cheese Salad Recipe Recipe

• Perfect Balance of Flavors: The creamy blue cheese pairs beautifully with the sweet pears, crunchy nuts, and tangy lemon vinaigrette, creating a harmonious blend of flavors in every bite.
• Versatile and Customizable: You can easily swap ingredients to suit your preferences – try different types of blue cheese, nuts, or even fruits like apples. The recipe offers flexibility and allows for personalization.
• Quick and Easy to Make: Despite its elegant presentation, this salad comes together quickly, making it ideal for both special occasions and busy weeknights when you want a delicious meal without the fuss.
• Great for Entertaining: Impress your guests with this vibrant and crowd-pleasing dish that is sure to be a hit at gatherings, potlucks, or dinner parties. It’s a go-to recipe for when you want to make a lasting impression.
• Family-Friendly: Even children enjoy the sweet pears and crunchy nuts in this salad, making it a versatile option that the whole family can appreciate.
• Pairs Well with Various Dishes: Whether served as a starter alongside roast chicken or fish, or as a main course with added protein like grilled chicken or prosciutto, this salad complements a wide range of meals, making it a versatile addition to any menu.
• Celebratory Feel: The combination of ingredients and the memories associated with preparing and serving this salad give it a special, celebratory quality, making it a perfect choice for marking occasions or simply enjoying a delicious meal with loved ones.

Ingredients for Delicious Pear Blue Cheese Salad Recipe

Salad

• 6 cups mixed salad greens (arugula, spinach, or mesclun mix)
• 60 grams toasted walnuts or pecans
• 30 grams dried cranberries (optional)
• 2 ripe pears, thinly sliced
• 120 grams crumbled blue cheese (such as Roquefort or Gorgonzola)

Vinaigrette

• 15 milliliters honey
• 60 milliliters olive oil
• Salt, to taste
• 60 milliliters freshly squeezed lemon juice
• Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
• 5 milliliters Dijon mustard

Pro Tips for Delicious Pear Blue Cheese Salad Recipe

To make this Pear and Blue Cheese Salad truly shine, opt for firm but ripe pears like Bartlett, Anjou, or Bosc for the best texture and flavor. When choosing blue cheese, while Roquefort or Gorgonzola are classic choices, feel free to experiment with different varieties to find your favorite. Additionally, toasted pecans or hazelnuts can be delicious alternatives to walnuts in this salad, adding a satisfying crunch.

For a heartier meal, consider adding grilled chicken or sliced prosciutto to the salad for extra protein. To keep your salad fresh and vibrant, store the greens and vinaigrette separately in the fridge, combining them just before serving. Lastly, to cater to different dietary preferences, you can easily substitute ingredients like feta or goat cheese for blue cheese, pecans for walnuts, and agave or maple syrup for honey if needed.

How to Make Delicious Pear Blue Cheese Salad Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Vinaigrette

Combine lemon juice, Dijon mustard, honey, salt, and black pepper in a small bowl and whisk together.

Step 2: Emulsify Dressing

Gradually whisk in the olive oil until the vinaigrette is emulsified and smooth.

Step 3: Prepare Salad Base

Place the assorted greens in a large salad bowl.

Step 4: Add Fruit and Cheese

Evenly scatter sliced pears and crumbled blue cheese over the greens.

Step 5: Add Nuts and Cranberries

Top the salad with toasted walnuts or pecans and dried cranberries.

Step 6: Dress and Toss

Pour the vinaigrette over the salad and toss gently to coat evenly.

Step 7: Serve

Serve promptly, optionally topping with extra blue cheese or walnuts.

Storage Tips

To store the finished Pear and Blue Cheese Salad, if you have leftovers without dressing, place them in a sealed container in the refrigerator for up to a day. Keep in mind that the pears may start to brown over time. It’s best to store the vinaigrette separately and add it to the salad just before serving to maintain the best texture and flavor. If you have leftovers with the dressing already tossed, it’s recommended to consume them as soon as possible since the greens can wilt quickly once dressed.

For variations on the recipe, consider swapping blue cheese for feta or goat cheese, using pecans instead of walnuts, or substituting apples for pears when they are in season. To make the salad vegan-friendly, you can replace honey with agave or maple syrup. This versatile dish can be served as a starter alongside roast chicken or fish, or as a satisfying main course by adding grilled chicken or prosciutto on top. Pair it with a crusty baguette, butternut squash soup, or a crisp white wine for a complete and delicious meal.

Ingredient Substitutions

For a different twist on this Pear and Blue Cheese Salad, you can make a few ingredient substitutions based on your preferences or dietary needs. If you don’t have blue cheese on hand, feel free to swap it out for crumbled feta or creamy goat cheese to add a different tangy flavor profile to the salad. Similarly, if you prefer pecans over walnuts, they can be used interchangeably to provide a delicious crunch to the dish. Additionally, when pears are not in season, you can easily substitute them with crisp apples like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp for a similar sweet and juicy element in the salad. For vegan variations, agave or maple syrup can be used instead of honey in the lemon vinaigrette to suit your dietary requirements.

To make this Pear and Blue Cheese Salad a more substantial meal, consider adding grilled chicken or thin slices of prosciutto on top of the salad to enhance its protein content and make it a satisfying main course. These additions will complement the flavors of the creamy blue cheese, sweet pears, and crunchy nuts beautifully. Remember to store any leftover salad without dressing separately in the fridge to maintain its freshness, and only toss the vinaigrette with the greens just before serving to prevent wilting. Whether enjoyed as a starter with roast chicken or fish, or as a light lunch paired with a crusty baguette, this vibrant and elegant salad is sure to impress your guests at any gathering.

Serving Suggestions

For a creative twist on the Barefoot Contessa Pear and Blue Cheese Salad, try serving it in individual mason jars for a fun and portable option. Layer the salad ingredients starting with the mixed greens at the bottom, followed by the sliced pears, crumbled blue cheese, toasted nuts, and dried cranberries. Drizzle the lemon vinaigrette just before serving and shake the jar to coat everything evenly. This presentation not only looks adorable but also keeps the salad fresh and well-mixed until it’s time to eat.

To elevate the Pear and Blue Cheese Salad into a stunning appetizer, consider serving it on endive leaves. Simply spoon a small amount of the salad mixture onto each endive leaf, creating bite-sized and elegant hors d’oeuvres. The bitterness of the endive complements the sweetness of the pears and the creaminess of the blue cheese, making it a delightful and sophisticated finger food option for a dinner party or gathering.

FAQs for Delicious Pear Blue Cheese Salad Recipe

Can I use a different type of cheese in place of blue cheese?

Absolutely! You can swap the blue cheese for feta or goat cheese to give the salad a different tangy flavor profile.

How can I store leftover salad?

If you have leftover salad without dressing, you can store it in a sealed container in the fridge for a day. However, the pears may start to brown. It’s best to store the vinaigrette separately and add it just before serving for the best texture.

What other nuts can I use instead of walnuts?

You can use toasted pecans or hazelnuts instead of walnuts for a delicious crunch and flavor in the salad.

What can I add to make this salad a more filling meal?

To make this salad a more filling meal, you can top it with grilled chicken or sliced prosciutto. This adds protein and makes it a satisfying main course.

Conclusion

Whether you’re hosting a dinner party or just treating yourself to a special meal, the Barefoot Contessa Pear Blue Cheese salad is a winning choice every time. The combination of creamy blue cheese, sweet pears, and crunchy nuts is a true crowd-pleaser that never fails to impress.

Don’t be afraid to get creative with this recipe – swap out ingredients to suit your taste preferences or make it your own signature dish. The beauty of Barefoot Contessa Pear Blue Cheese salad lies in its versatility and ability to adapt to different flavors and occasions.

So next time you’re looking for a dish that’s both elegant and effortless, turn to the Barefoot Contessa Pear Blue Cheese salad. With its timeless appeal and delicious combination of flavors, it’s sure to become a favorite in your recipe repertoire.