Imagine a salad that transforms ordinary ingredients into an extraordinary culinary experience. The Pear and Blue Cheese Salad Donna is not just a dish; it's a perfect harmony of bold flavors, creamy textures, and crisp freshness that will elevate your dining moment from mundane to magnificent. With just 15 minutes of preparation, you'll create a restaurant-quality salad that looks stunning and tastes even more incredible.
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: -
Total Time: 15 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 4 cups arugula
- 2 pears, sliced
- 1/2 cup blue cheese, crumbled
- 1/4 cup pecans, toasted
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Wash the arugula thoroughly and pat dry using a clean kitchen towel or salad spinner to remove excess moisture.
- Prepare the pears by washing them carefully, then slice them thinly into uniform half-moon shapes, removing the core and stem.
- Toast the pecans in a dry skillet over medium heat for 3-4 minutes, stirring constantly to prevent burning. Remove from heat and let cool.
- In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, salt, and freshly ground black pepper to create a simple vinaigrette.
- In a large salad bowl, gently place the arugula as the base layer, creating a light and airy foundation.
- Arrange the sliced pears artfully over the arugula, distributing them evenly across the salad.
- Sprinkle the crumbled blue cheese over the pears, allowing some pieces to fall naturally on the greens.
- Scatter the toasted pecans across the salad for added crunch and nutty flavor.
- Drizzle the prepared vinaigrette over the salad just before serving, ensuring a light and even coating.
- Serve immediately to maintain the freshness and crisp texture of the ingredients.
Tips
- Choose ripe but firm pears to ensure the best texture and flavor profile.
- Toast pecans slowly and watch carefully to prevent burning - their nutty flavor is crucial to the salad's complexity.
- Use fresh, high-quality blue cheese for maximum flavor impact.
- Dress the salad just before serving to maintain the arugula's crispness.
- For extra elegance, consider using a mild, creamy blue cheese if you're sensitive to strong cheese flavors.
- Experiment with different pear varieties like Bartlett or Anjou for subtle taste variations.
- Chill your serving plates beforehand to keep the salad crisp and refreshing.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 280kcal
Carbohydrates: 15g
Protein: 9g
Fat: 22g
Saturated Fat: 6g
Cholesterol: 20mg
