Pear and Gorgonzola Salad ๐๐ง
Overview:
Love the combination of sweet pears and tangy gorgonzola cheese. For greens, I love arugula or some other full-flavored lettuce. This salad is perfect for any occasion, whether it’s a quick lunch or a side dish for a potluck gathering in spring or summer. Plus, it’s ready in under 15 minutes, making it an easy and hassle-free option.
Ingredients:
- 4-6 ripe pears
- 1/2 cup gorgonzola or blue cheese, crumbled
- 2 cups arugula or other full-flavored lettuce
- 1/4 cup walnut halves
- 1 batch of vinaigrette (ingredients and instructions below)
Vinaigrette Ingredients:
- 1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil
- 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
| Step | Description |
|---|---|
| 1 | Begin by preparing the vinaigrette. In a small bowl, whisk together the extra-virgin olive oil, balsamic vinegar, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper until well combined. Set aside. |
| 2 | Next, wash and dry the arugula or lettuce leaves thoroughly. Place them in a large mixing bowl. |
| 3 | Pour most of the prepared vinaigrette over the greens and toss gently to coat. Make sure the leaves are evenly coated with the dressing. |
| 4 | Divide the dressed greens between individual salad plates or a large serving platter. |
| 5 | Slice the pears thinly, removing the core and seeds. Arrange the pear slices on top of the dressed greens. |
| 6 | Sprinkle the crumbled gorgonzola or blue cheese evenly over the pear slices. |
| 7 | In a dry skillet over medium heat, toast the walnut halves until they become fragrant and lightly browned, about 3-5 minutes. Keep an eye on them to prevent burning. |
| 8 | Once toasted, sprinkle the toasted walnuts over the assembled salad. |
| 9 | Drizzle the remaining vinaigrette over the salad, ensuring each portion gets a flavorful touch of dressing. |
| 10 | Serve immediately and enjoy the delightful combination of flavors and textures in this pear and gorgonzola salad. |
Nutritional Information (per serving):
- Calories: 389.6
- Fat: 30.4g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Cholesterol: 39.4mg
- Sodium: 630.9mg
- Carbohydrates: 22.2g
- Fiber: 4.5g
- Sugar: 11.9g
- Protein: 12.2g
This Pear and Gorgonzola Salad is not only delicious but also nutritious, offering a balance of flavors and essential nutrients. It’s a wonderful addition to any meal or gathering, bringing a burst of freshness and sophistication to the table.
