Winter Salad with Gorgonzola and Walnuts Recipe
This delightful winter salad combines the earthy flavors of beets and the sweet richness of pears with the creamy tang of Gorgonzola and the crunch of walnuts. Perfect for chilly days, it is both hearty and refreshing, making it an ideal side dish or a light main course.
Serves: 4
Category: Salads
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Baby Spinach (Spinacini) | 125g |
| Pre-cooked Beets (Barbabietole precotte) | 260g |
| Kaiser Pears (Pere Kaiser) | 500g |
| Gorgonzola Cheese | 250g |
| Walnut Halves (Gherigli di noci) | 100g |
| Extra Virgin Olive Oil (Olio extravergine d’oliva) | to taste |
| Fine Salt (Sale fino) | to taste |
| Balsamic Vinegar (Aceto balsamico) | to taste |
Instructions
-
Prepare the Pears
Begin by thoroughly washing the Kaiser pears. Once clean, cut them into quarters. The pearsβ sweetness will add a delightful contrast to the richness of the Gorgonzola. -
Prepare the Beets
Take the pre-cooked beets and slice them into thick rounds, about 2 cm each. Their earthy flavor will pair beautifully with the other ingredients. -
Assemble the Salad
Place the fresh baby spinach in a large salad bowl. Add the sliced beets and pear wedges to the bowl, creating a vibrant base for your salad. -
Add the Gorgonzola
Since Gorgonzola is creamy and soft, it can be difficult to cut into neat cubes. Instead, use a spoon to break it into small chunks and add them to the salad. The creaminess of the cheese will mix beautifully with the other textures. -
Add the Walnuts
Scatter the walnut halves over the salad. The nuts will provide a lovely crunch and add a rich, nutty flavor that complements the creamy Gorgonzola. -
Season the Salad
Drizzle extra virgin olive oil and balsamic vinegar over the ingredients. Add a pinch of fine salt to enhance the flavors. Adjust the seasoning to your liking. -
Toss and Serve
Gently toss the salad to combine all of the ingredients. The richness of the Gorgonzola will coat the pears, beets, and spinach, creating a harmonious blend of flavors.
Tips for the Perfect Winter Salad:
- If you prefer a slightly sweeter flavor, add a drizzle of honey or maple syrup to the salad dressing.
- Toasting the walnuts before adding them to the salad will enhance their flavor and provide extra crunch.
- For a more robust flavor, substitute the Gorgonzola with another blue cheese variety like Roquefort or Stilton.
Enjoy this winter salad as a festive side dish during holiday dinners or as a satisfying, healthy meal anytime!
