Pear, Walnut and Roquefort Cheese Salad
Pear, Walnut and Roquefort Cheese Salad Recipe - Vegetarian Food
Introduction
This Pear, Walnut, and Roquefort Cheese Salad is a delightful combination of sweet pears, tangy Roquefort cheese, crunchy walnuts, and a flavorful cranberry-orange vinaigrette. It's a perfect dish for a light and refreshing meal.
History
This salad is a modern twist on the classic pear and blue cheese salad. The addition of walnuts and the cranberry-orange vinaigrette adds a unique and delicious flavor profile to the dish.
Ingredients
Vinaigrette
- 0.5 cup of canned whole-berry cranberry sauce
- 0.25 cup of fresh-squeezed orange juice
- 1 tbsp of vegetable oil
- 2 tbsp of balsamic vinegar
- 1 tsp of fresh ginger, minced
- 0.25 tsp of salt
Salad
- 4 cups of salad greens
- 2 ripe pears, cored and sliced
- 2 tbsp of fresh-squeezed orange juice
- 1 small red onion, sliced
- 0.33 cup of roquefort cheese, crumbled
- 2 tbsp of walnuts, coarsely chopped
How to prepare
- In a medium-sized bowl, whisk together all vinaigrette ingredients.
- Arrange salad greens on six plates.
- Toss pear slices with 2 tbsp of orange juice, then divide pears and onion slices among the salad plates on top of greens.
- Top each serving evenly with crumbled Roquefort cheese and walnuts.
- Drizzle each plate with vinaigrette to the desired amount.
Variations
- Substitute blue cheese for Roquefort cheese.
- Use pecans or almonds instead of walnuts.
- Add grilled chicken or shrimp for a protein boost.
Cooking Tips & Tricks
Make sure to toss the pear slices in orange juice to prevent them from browning.
- Crumble the Roquefort cheese just before serving to maintain its texture and flavor.
- Adjust the amount of vinaigrette to suit your taste preferences.
Serving Suggestions
This salad can be served as a light lunch or as a side dish to accompany a main course.
Cooking Techniques
Whisking the vinaigrette ingredients together helps emulsify the dressing.
- Tossing the pear slices in orange juice adds a citrusy flavor to the salad.
Ingredient Substitutions
Use any variety of salad greens in place of the mixed greens.
- Substitute pomegranate juice for the cranberry sauce in the vinaigrette.
Make Ahead Tips
Prepare the vinaigrette and chop the ingredients ahead of time, but assemble the salad just before serving to prevent wilting.
Presentation Ideas
Arrange the salad on a large platter for a beautiful presentation, or serve it in individual bowls for a more elegant touch.
Pairing Recommendations
This salad pairs well with a crisp white wine, such as a Sauvignon Blanc or Chardonnay.
Storage and Reheating Instructions
Store any leftover salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Do not reheat.
Nutrition Information
Calories per serving
Calories: 260 per serving
Carbohydrates
Carbohydrates: 28g per serving
Fats
Total Fat: 14g per serving
Saturated Fat: 4g per serving
Proteins
Protein: 6g per serving
Vitamins and minerals
This salad is a good source of Vitamin C, Vitamin K, and Calcium.
Alergens
Contains dairy (Roquefort cheese) and tree nuts (walnuts).
Summary
This salad is a balanced dish with a good mix of carbohydrates, fats, and proteins. It also provides essential vitamins and minerals.
Summary
This Pear, Walnut, and Roquefort Cheese Salad is a delicious and nutritious dish that is perfect for a light and refreshing meal. With a flavorful cranberry-orange vinaigrette, this salad is sure to impress your guests.
How did I get this recipe?
I can't forget the moment I stumbled upon this recipe for Pear, Walnut, and Roquefort Cheese Salad. It was a warm summer day, and I was perusing through an old cookbook that I had picked up at a yard sale. As I flipped through the pages, a particular recipe caught my eye. The combination of sweet pears, crunchy walnuts, and tangy Roquefort cheese sounded intriguing and delicious.
I decided to give the recipe a try, and I'm so glad I did. It quickly became one of my favorite salads to make, and it always receives rave reviews from family and friends. The flavors complement each other perfectly, creating a dish that is both refreshing and satisfying.
The recipe itself was simple enough to follow, but it was the quality of the ingredients that really made the dish stand out. I made sure to select the ripest pears, the freshest walnuts, and the finest Roquefort cheese I could find. I truly believe that using high-quality ingredients is the key to creating a truly memorable dish.
As I prepared the salad, I couldn't help but think back to all the different recipes I had learned over the years. Each one had its own story, its own origin. Some I had picked up from friends or family members, others I had discovered in cookbooks or magazines. But no matter where they came from, each recipe held a special place in my heart.
I remembered the first time I learned how to make my grandmother's famous apple pie. She had taught me the secret to making the perfect flaky crust, and I had spent hours in the kitchen perfecting my technique. The end result was a pie that tasted just like hers, bringing back memories of lazy summer afternoons spent in her kitchen.
I also recalled the time I had traveled to Italy and learned how to make authentic pasta sauce from a local chef. He had shown me how to slowly simmer the tomatoes, garlic, and herbs until they formed a rich, flavorful sauce. I had brought the recipe back home with me, and it had become a staple in my kitchen ever since.
But this recipe for Pear, Walnut, and Roquefort Cheese Salad held a special place in my heart. It reminded me of the joy of discovering something new, of stepping out of my comfort zone and trying something different. It was a reminder that there is always something new to learn, always a new flavor combination to explore.
As I finished preparing the salad, I couldn't wait to share it with my family. I knew they would love the unique combination of flavors and textures, just as I had. And as we sat down to eat together, I felt grateful for all the recipes I had learned over the years, each one a small piece of the culinary puzzle that made up my life.
I may have stumbled upon the recipe for Pear, Walnut, and Roquefort Cheese Salad by chance, but it has since become a cherished part of my culinary repertoire. It is a dish that never fails to impress, a dish that brings a smile to the faces of those who taste it. And for that, I am truly grateful.
Categories
| Pear Recipes | Roquefort Recipes | Salad Recipes | Vegetarian Recipes | Walnut Recipes |