Prepare to tantalize your taste buds with an extraordinary culinary creation that combines the bold, bitter crunch of endives, the creamy richness of Roquefort cheese, and the sweet surprise of pears. This isn't just another salad – it's a gourmet journey through French cuisine that will elevate your home cooking from ordinary to extraordinary. In just 15 minutes, you'll craft a restaurant-worthy dish that looks stunning and tastes even more incredible!
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: -
Total Time: 15 mins
Cuisine: French
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 4 endives, sliced
- 1 ripe pear, diced
- 1/2 cup Roquefort cheese, crumbled
- 1/4 cup walnuts, chopped
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the endives by washing them thoroughly under cold running water. Pat dry with paper towels and slice them crosswise into thin, elegant strips, creating a delicate base for the salad.
- Dice the ripe pear into small, uniform cubes. To prevent browning, you can toss the pear pieces with a small amount of lemon juice to maintain their fresh appearance.
- In a small mixing bowl, create the vinaigrette by whisking together olive oil, balsamic vinegar, a pinch of salt, and freshly ground black pepper until the mixture is well emulsified and slightly thickened.
- Lightly toast the chopped walnuts in a dry skillet over medium heat for 2-3 minutes, stirring constantly to prevent burning. This will enhance their nutty flavor and provide a delightful crunch.
- In a large salad bowl, gently combine the sliced endives, diced pears, and crumbled Roquefort cheese. The combination of bitter endive, sweet pear, and tangy cheese creates a complex flavor profile.
- Drizzle the prepared pear vinaigrette over the salad, tossing gently to ensure even coating without bruising the delicate ingredients.
- Sprinkle the toasted walnuts over the top of the salad just before serving to maintain their crisp texture.
- Serve immediately at room temperature, allowing the flavors to meld and the ingredients to shine in this elegant French-inspired salad.
Tips
- • Choose endives that are crisp and pale yellow-green with tight, unblemished leaves for the best texture and flavor. • When toasting walnuts, watch them carefully – they can burn quickly! Remove from heat when they become fragrant and golden. • For the most vibrant presentation, slice endives just before serving to prevent wilting. • If Roquefort is too strong, you can substitute with a milder blue cheese like Danish blue. • To make the vinaigrette extra smooth, use a small whisk or shake ingredients in a sealed jar. • Serve this salad immediately after dressing to maintain the perfect balance of textures and prevent sogginess. • For an extra layer of sophistication, consider adding a drizzle of honey or a few fresh thyme leaves.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 219kcal
Carbohydrates: 11g
Protein: 7g
Fat: g
Saturated Fat: 5g
Cholesterol: 15mg
