Welcome, salad enthusiasts and Barefoot Contessa fans! If you love vibrant, flavorful salads that feel both luxurious and wholesome, you’re in for a treat. This Pear and Blue Cheese Salad recipe, inspired by the classic Barefoot Contessa, brings together sweet, ripe pears, tangy blue cheese, and crunchy walnuts—all tossed in a light lemon vinaigrette. Perfect as an elegant starter or a delightful light meal, this dish offers a burst of flavor and freshness that’s bound to impress. Let’s dive in and bring this stunning salad to life!
Introduction
The Barefoot Contessa Pear and Blue Cheese Salad is a simple yet sophisticated dish that embodies the balance of flavors, textures, and freshness. Originating from classic French influences, this recipe combines earthy and sweet elements with creamy blue cheese and crunchy walnuts, giving you a taste of elegance in every bite. Inspired by the Barefoot Contessa’s knack for bringing the finest ingredients together, this salad is perfect for cozy gatherings or light lunches.
Ingredients for Barefoot Contessa Pear and Blue Cheese Salad
To create this Pear and Blue Cheese Salad masterpiece, gather the following ingredients. Feel free to customize based on dietary needs or availability.
For the Salad:
- 6 cups mixed greens (such as arugula, spinach, or mesclun mix)
- 2 ripe pears, thinly sliced
- ½ cup crumbled blue cheese (like Roquefort or Gorgonzola)
- ½ cup toasted walnuts or pecans
- ¼ cup dried cranberries (optional, for a hint of sweetness)
For the Vinaigrette:
- ¼ cup freshly squeezed lemon juice (about 2 lemons)
- ¼ cup olive oil
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 1 tablespoon honey
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
How to Make Barefoot Contessa Pear and Blue Cheese Salad – Step by Step
Step 1: Prepare the Vinaigrette
- In a small bowl, whisk together the lemon juice, Dijon mustard, honey, salt, and pepper.
- Slowly add the olive oil, whisking constantly until the vinaigrette is fully emulsified.
- Adjust seasonings as desired, then set aside.
2: Assemble the Salad
- Arrange the mixed greens in a large serving bowl or platter.
- Evenly top with sliced pears, crumbled blue cheese, toasted walnuts, and dried cranberries if desired.
3: Dress and Serve
- Drizzle the vinaigrette over the salad and gently toss to coat the ingredients evenly.
- Serve immediately, garnished with extra blue cheese or walnuts for added flavor and presentation.
Helpful Tips for Barefoot Contessa Pear and Blue Cheese Salad
- Choose Ripe Pears: Opt for firm, ripe pears such as Bartlett or Anjou for the best texture.
- Cheese Selection: Roquefort provides a bold taste, while Gorgonzola offers a creamier, milder profile.
- Toasting the Nuts: Toast walnuts or pecans in a dry skillet over medium heat to enhance flavor and crunch.
Cooking Tips for the Best Barefoot Contessa Pear and Blue Cheese Salad
Enhancing this salad is simple with a few key techniques:
- Vinaigrette Emulsification: Whisk slowly to ensure a creamy texture in your vinaigrette.
- Layering Ingredients: Start with greens, then add pears and nuts to prevent heavy items from wilting the salad.
Serving Suggestions for Barefoot Contessa Pear and Blue Cheese Salad
Pair this Pear and Blue Cheese Salad with a crisp glass of white wine or a refreshing sparkling beverage. This salad also complements roast chicken or grilled fish, making it ideal as a light lunch or a sophisticated starter for any meal.
Nutritional Information
This salad offers a mix of healthy fats, fiber, and antioxidants, making it both delicious and nutritious. The addition of blue cheese brings beneficial probiotics, while pears add a dose of fiber and vitamins.
Nutritional Information (per serving)
- Calories: 220
- Fat: 16g
- Carbohydrates: 12g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 5g
- Vitamin C: 18%
- Calcium: 6%
Storage and Leftovers for Barefoot Contessa Pear and Blue Cheese Salad
If you’re planning to save some for later, store the components separately. Keep the vinaigrette in a sealed container in the fridge for up to one week. Store the assembled salad (without dressing) in an airtight container for 1-2 days, adding the vinaigrette just before serving to keep it fresh.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) for Barefoot Contessa Pear and Blue Cheese Salad
- Can I use a different cheese?
- Yes! Try goat cheese or feta as alternatives for a milder flavor.
- What other nuts work well in this salad?
- Almonds or pistachios are great substitutes if you’re out of walnuts or pecans.
- How do I keep the pears from browning?
- Toss the pears in a bit of lemon juice before adding them to the salad.
- Can I make the vinaigrette in advance?
- Absolutely! The vinaigrette can be made and refrigerated up to one week.
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Conclusion
The Barefoot Contessa Pear and Blue Cheese Salad combines elegance and simplicity, with a perfect blend of flavors and textures. Whether serving it as a starter or a light meal, this recipe is sure to impress. We’d love to hear how you enjoyed it—let us know your thoughts in the comments, and don’t hesitate to share your own variations!
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Barefoot Contessa Pear and Blue Cheese Salad Recipe
Description
Welcome, salad enthusiasts and Barefoot Contessa fans! If you love vibrant, flavorful salads that feel both luxurious and wholesome, you’re in for a treat. This Pear and Blue Cheese Salad recipe, inspired by the classic Barefoot Contessa, brings together sweet, ripe pears, tangy blue cheese, and crunchy walnuts—all tossed in a light lemon vinaigrette. Perfect as an elegant starter or a delightful light meal, this dish offers a burst of flavor and freshness that’s bound to impress. Let’s dive in and bring this stunning salad to life!
Ingredients
For the Salad:
- 6 cups mixed greens (such as arugula, spinach, or mesclun mix)
- 2 ripe pears, thinly sliced
- ½ cup crumbled blue cheese (like Roquefort or Gorgonzola)
- ½ cup toasted walnuts or pecans
- ¼ cup dried cranberries (optional, for a hint of sweetness)
For the Vinaigrette:
- ¼ cup freshly squeezed lemon juice (about 2 lemons)
- ¼ cup olive oil
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 1 tablespoon honey
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Vinaigrette
- In a small bowl, whisk together the lemon juice, Dijon mustard, honey, salt, and pepper.
- Slowly add the olive oil, whisking constantly until the vinaigrette is fully emulsified.
- Adjust seasonings as desired, then set aside.
Step 2: Assemble the Salad
- Arrange the mixed greens in a large serving bowl or platter.
- Evenly top with sliced pears, crumbled blue cheese, toasted walnuts, and dried cranberries if desired.
Step 3: Dress and Serve
- Drizzle the vinaigrette over the salad and gently toss to coat the ingredients evenly.
- Serve immediately, garnished with extra blue cheese or walnuts for added flavor and presentation.
Equipment
2Pcs Heart Shape Cake Pans, Aluminum Heart Cake Mold, Reusable 10 inch
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Kids Chill Leak-Proof Lunch Box – Included Reusable Ice Pack Keeps Food Cold
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- Choose Ripe Pears: Opt for firm, ripe pears such as Bartlett or Anjou for the best texture.
- Cheese Selection: Roquefort provides a bold taste, while Gorgonzola offers a creamier, milder profile.
- Toasting the Nuts: Toast walnuts or pecans in a dry skillet over medium heat to enhance flavor and crunch.
