Pear & Gorgonzola Salad
This delightful Pear & Gorgonzola Salad is a fresh, vibrant dish that showcases the wonderful combination of sweet, juicy pears and tangy Gorgonzola cheese. Perfect for a light lunch or as an elegant side dish, this salad comes together in just ten minutes, making it an ideal recipe for busy days or spontaneous gatherings. Enjoy this beautiful medley of flavors, textures, and colors that will impress your family and friends.
Recipe Overview
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Prep Time | 10 minutes |
| Total Time | 10 minutes |
| Servings | 4 |
| Calories per Serving | 255.1 calories |
Ingredients
To create this Pear & Gorgonzola Salad, you will need the following fresh ingredients, each contributing to the overall flavor and texture of the dish:
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Butter lettuce | 1 head |
| Pears (sliced) | 2 |
| Mandarin oranges (peeled) | 1 can (or 1 cup) |
| Raisins | 1/4 cup |
| Pine nuts | 2 tablespoons |
| Gorgonzola cheese | 1 cup (crumbled) |
| Dijon mustard | 1 tablespoon |
| Honey | 1 tablespoon |
| Mayonnaise | 3 tablespoons |
| Fresh lemon juice | 1 tablespoon |
Nutritional Information
This salad is not only delicious but also provides a range of nutrients:
| Nutritional Component | Amount per Serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 255.1 kcal |
| Total Fat | 8.2 g |
| Saturated Fat | 3.2 g |
| Cholesterol | 13.5 mg |
| Sodium | 324.7 mg |
| Total Carbohydrates | 49.6 g |
| Dietary Fiber | 4.6 g |
| Sugars | 25.9 g |
| Protein | 5.4 g |
Instructions
Follow these simple steps to create your Pear & Gorgonzola Salad, ensuring each ingredient is prepared to highlight its unique qualities:
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Prepare the Lettuce: Start by washing, drying, and tearing the butter lettuce into bite-sized pieces. This will serve as the refreshing base of your salad, providing a light and crisp texture.
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Prepare the Pears: Slice the pears into thin pieces. If the pears are small, feel free to use two to ensure there is plenty of fruit in your salad.
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Combine Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the torn lettuce with the sliced pears, drained mandarin oranges, raisins, and pine nuts. The addition of the oranges brings a juicy sweetness, while the raisins add a chewy texture.
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Add the Cheese: Top the mixture with crumbled Gorgonzola cheese. The creamy, tangy cheese will beautifully complement the sweetness of the pears and oranges.
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Chill the Salad: Cover the salad and refrigerate it until you are ready to serve. Chilling allows the flavors to meld, enhancing the overall taste experience.
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Make the Dressing: In a separate bowl, whisk together the Dijon mustard and honey. Then, add the mayonnaise and fresh lemon juice, mixing until smooth. This dressing will add a delightful creaminess with a zesty kick.
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Dress the Salad: Just before serving, pour the dressing over the salad and toss gently to combine. This ensures that every bite is coated with the delicious dressing, adding a burst of flavor to each forkful.
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Serve: Transfer the salad to individual plates or a serving bowl and enjoy immediately, relishing the harmonious blend of flavors.
This Pear & Gorgonzola Salad is sure to become a favorite, whether served as a light lunch, at a brunch gathering, or as a refreshing side for dinner. The balance of sweet, tangy, and savory notes will leave your taste buds delighted and craving more. Bon appétit!
