Chestnut Salad with Roquefort
This Chestnut Salad with Roquefort is a delightful blend of earthy chestnuts, tangy Roquefort cheese, and crisp greens, all beautifully dressed in a honey-mustard vinaigrette. Perfect for a light lunch or a festive starter, this dish combines the warmth of roasted chestnuts with the boldness of creamy Roquefort, offering a savory contrast to the slightly sweet dressing.
Servings: 4
Category: Salads
Preparation Time: 15 minutes
Cooking Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Chestnuts (pre-cooked) | 150g |
| Salad greens (such as red chard or arugula) | 80g |
| Roquefort cheese | 80g |
| Bread (for croutons) | 25g |
| Extra virgin olive oil | 2 tbsp |
| Dried chili pepper | 1 |
| Dijon mustard | 2 tsp |
| Honey | 1 tbsp |
| Lemon juice | ½ lemon |
Instructions
-
Prepare the Croutons:
- Slice the bread into small cubes and set aside.
- Heat a pan over medium heat and add 1 tablespoon of olive oil.
- Once the oil is hot, add the bread cubes and toast them, turning occasionally, until golden brown and crispy.
- While the bread is toasting, crumble the dried chili pepper and sprinkle it over the bread as it cooks to infuse the heat and flavor.
- Remove the croutons from the pan and set them aside.
-
-
Roast the Chestnuts:
- In the same pan, add the second tablespoon of olive oil and heat over medium heat.
- Add the pre-cooked chestnuts and sauté them for 4-5 minutes until they are nicely golden and slightly crispy on the outside.
- Once done, remove the chestnuts from the pan and set aside.
-
Prepare the Dressing:
- In a blender or small food processor, combine the lemon juice, Dijon mustard, and honey.
- Blend until smooth, then gradually add in the Roquefort cheese, cutting it into small chunks as you go, allowing it to blend into the dressing.
- The dressing should have a creamy texture with a balanced sweetness and tang.
-
Assemble the Salad:
- Wash and dry your salad greens thoroughly. Place them in a large mixing bowl.
- Add the roasted chestnuts and croutons to the greens.
- Drizzle the prepared dressing over the salad, tossing gently to combine.
- Serve the salad on individual plates or in a large serving bowl, topping with additional crumbles of Roquefort if desired.
-
Serve & Enjoy:
- This Chestnut Salad with Roquefort is best served immediately as a light meal or as part of a festive spread. The combination of warm chestnuts, creamy cheese, and spicy croutons creates a perfect harmony of flavors.
Nutritional Information (per serving)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 320 kcal |
| Protein | 9g |
| Carbohydrates | 30g |
| Fiber | 4g |
| Fat | 20g |
| Saturated Fat | 5g |
| Cholesterol | 15mg |
| Sodium | 250mg |
| Sugars | 10g |
| Vitamin A | 12% |
| Vitamin C | 20% |
| Calcium | 15% |
| Iron | 10% |
This Chestnut Salad with Roquefort is a delicious and versatile dish that’s sure to impress at any gathering. The warm chestnuts and tangy cheese make for a flavorful combination, while the honey-mustard dressing ties everything together in perfect harmony. Whether you’re looking for a quick weeknight dinner or a special addition to a holiday table, this recipe is a crowd-pleaser. Enjoy!
