Elevate your salad game with a delightful twist that combines the earthy richness of fresh spinach, the sweet juiciness of ripe pears, and the bold tang of blue cheese! This Spinach Pear and Blue Cheese Salad is not just a feast for the eyes; it’s a culinary experience that will tantalize your taste buds and impress your guests. Perfect for any occasion, this quick and easy recipe comes together in just 15 minutes, making it an ideal choice for busy weeknights or elegant dinner parties. Ready to discover how to create this gourmet salad that’s bursting with flavor and texture? Let’s dive in!
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: -
Total Time: 15 mins
Cuisine: French
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 4 cups fresh spinach
- 1 ripe pear, sliced
- 1/2 cup blue cheese, crumbled
- 1/4 cup walnuts, chopped
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Wash the fresh spinach leaves thoroughly under cool running water and pat dry using a clean kitchen towel or salad spinner to remove excess moisture.
- Slice the ripe pear into thin, uniform wedges, removing the core and stem. To prevent browning, you can lightly brush the pear slices with a bit of lemon juice.
- In a small mixing bowl, whisk together the olive oil and balsamic vinegar to create the dressing. Season with a pinch of salt and freshly ground black pepper to enhance the flavor.
- Toast the chopped walnuts in a dry skillet over medium heat for 2-3 minutes, stirring frequently to prevent burning. This will release their natural oils and enhance their nutty flavor.
- Arrange the fresh spinach leaves on a large serving platter or individual plates as a base for the salad.
- Carefully distribute the pear slices evenly across the spinach leaves.
- Sprinkle the crumbled blue cheese over the pears, ensuring an even distribution.
- Scatter the toasted walnuts on top of the salad for added crunch and texture.
- Drizzle the prepared balsamic vinaigrette over the salad just before serving to maintain the freshness of the ingredients.
- Serve immediately and enjoy the delightful combination of flavors and textures.
Tips
- Fresh Ingredients: Use the freshest spinach you can find for a crisp and vibrant salad. Look for bright green leaves that are free from wilting or browning.
- Perfect Pears: Choose a ripe pear that yields slightly to pressure for the best flavor and texture. If you prefer, you can use different varieties like Bosc or Anjou for a unique taste.
- Cheese Selection: While blue cheese adds a wonderful tang, feel free to experiment with other cheeses like goat cheese or feta for a different flavor profile.
- Nut Toasting: Toasting the walnuts enhances their flavor significantly. Keep a close eye on them while toasting to avoid burning; they should be golden brown and fragrant.
- Dressing Variations: Don’t hesitate to customize the dressing! Adding a teaspoon of honey or Dijon mustard can give your vinaigrette an extra layer of flavor.
- Serving Suggestions: This salad pairs beautifully with grilled chicken or fish, making it a versatile side dish for any meal.
- Make Ahead: For a quicker assembly, wash and dry your spinach and chop your walnuts in advance. Just assemble the salad right before serving to keep everything fresh.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 250kcal
Carbohydrates: 12g
Protein: 8g
Fat: 20g
Saturated Fat: 6g
Cholesterol: 20mg
