Delicious pear salad topped with blue cheese and rocket leaves.

Pear Salad with Blue Cheese and Rocket

ByCasey Monroe

Why Make This Recipe

Pear Salad with Blue Cheese and Rocket is a delightful combination of flavors and textures. The sweetness of ripe pears perfectly complements the sharpness of blue cheese, while the crunch of walnuts adds extra taste and nutrition. This salad is not only easy to prepare but also makes a stunning dish for any occasion. Whether you’re looking for a light lunch or a side dish for dinner, this salad is both refreshing and satisfying.

How to Make Pear Salad with Blue Cheese and Rocket

Ingredients:

  • 1 1/2 – 2 pears (any type, juicy and ripe, or nashi pears or sweet apples)
  • 3/4 cup walnuts (whole or substitute with almonds, pecans)
  • 120g / 4oz rocket/arugula lettuce
  • 120g / 4oz blue cheese (such as Roquefort, Gorgonzola, or Stilton, creamy but can be crumbled into chunks)
  • 1 1/2 tbsp Dijon mustard
  • 1 1/2 tbsp honey
  • 1 1/2 tbsp cider vinegar
  • 1 1/2 tbsp vegetable or olive oil
  • 1/4 tsp salt
  • 1/8 tsp black pepper

Directions:

  1. Make the Dressing: In a jar, shake together the Dijon mustard, honey, cider vinegar, vegetable or olive oil, salt, and pepper until well mixed.
  2. Prepare the Pears: Cut the pears in half and remove the core. Place the cut side down and slice into thin pieces (about 3mm or 0.12 inches thick).
  3. Toast the Walnuts: Spread the walnuts on a baking tray and toast them in a preheated oven at 180°C (350°F) for 8 minutes or until they smell nutty. Leave some whole and break a few in half with your hands.
  4. Dress the Rocket: In a large bowl, toss the rocket with 2 tablespoons of the dressing until well coated.
  5. Assemble the Salad: On a serving platter, pile one-third of the dressed rocket. Scatter one-third of the pear slices, one-third of the toasted walnuts, and one-third of the crumbled blue cheese on top. Repeat this process two more times. Drizzle with the remaining dressing just before serving.

How to Serve Pear Salad with Blue Cheese and Rocket

Serve the salad fresh for the best taste. It can be a fantastic starter at dinner parties or a light meal on its own. You can also pair it with grilled chicken or fish to make it more filling.

How to Store Pear Salad with Blue Cheese and Rocket

If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The salad is best eaten within a day, as the rocket can wilt and the pears may brown. Keep the dressing separate until you are ready to serve for optimal freshness.

Tips to Make Pear Salad with Blue Cheese and Rocket

  1. Use ripe, juicy pears for the best flavor and texture.
  2. Adjust the amount of blue cheese based on your preference; if you like a stronger taste, add more.
  3. Feel free to mix in other ingredients like cranberries or diced apples for added flavor and color.

Variation

You can replace rocket with spinach or mixed salad greens. Additionally, try different nuts like pecans or almonds for a change in texture.

FAQs

1. Can I use a different type of cheese?
Yes, if you’re not a fan of blue cheese, you can use feta or goat cheese for a different flavor profile.

2. Is this salad suitable for a vegan diet?
You can make it vegan by skipping the blue cheese and honey, and using a vegan dressing alternative.

3. How can I make this salad more filling?
To make it more hearty, you can add grilled chicken, quinoa, or chickpeas to the salad.