Romaine, Pear and Blue Cheese Salad

Introduction

History

This salad is a modern twist on the classic pear and blue cheese salad, which has been a popular dish for many years. The addition of romaine lettuce and artichoke hearts adds extra texture and flavor to the dish, making it a delicious and satisfying option for any occasion.

Ingredients

How to prepare

Variations

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Make sure to rinse the artichoke hearts well before adding them to the salad to remove any excess brine.

- For a more intense citrus flavor, you can add more orange juice concentrate or grated orange peel to the dressing.

- To prevent the pears from browning, toss them in a little lemon juice before adding them to the salad.

Serving Suggestions

This salad is perfect as a side dish for grilled chicken or steak, or as a light meal on its own. It pairs well with a glass of white wine or a crisp cider.

Cooking Techniques

The key to making this salad is to toss the ingredients gently with the dressing to ensure that everything is evenly coated. Be sure to use a large bowl to mix the salad to avoid crushing the delicate ingredients.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you don't have pears on hand, you can use apples or grapes instead. You can also substitute the blue cheese with another type of cheese, such as cheddar or gorgonzola.

Make Ahead Tips

You can prepare the dressing and chop the ingredients ahead of time and store them in the refrigerator until you are ready to assemble the salad. Just be sure to toss everything together right before serving to keep the ingredients fresh.

Presentation Ideas

Serve this salad in a large bowl or on individual plates for a beautiful presentation. Garnish with some fresh herbs or edible flowers for an extra touch of elegance.

Pairing Recommendations

This salad pairs well with a variety of main dishes, such as grilled chicken, steak, or seafood. It also goes well with a glass of white wine or a fruity cocktail.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

This salad is best enjoyed fresh, but you can store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Just be sure to toss everything together again before serving to refresh the flavors.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of this salad contains approximately 250 calories, making it a light and healthy option for lunch or dinner. The majority of the calories come from the pears, blue cheese, and dressing.

Carbohydrates

This salad is a good source of carbohydrates, with approximately 20 grams per serving. The majority of the carbohydrates come from the pears and artichoke hearts, which are both high in fiber and nutrients.

Fats

The blue cheese in this salad adds a rich and creamy texture, as well as healthy fats. Each serving contains around 12 grams of fat, with most of it coming from the cheese and the dressing.

Proteins

With around 10 grams of protein per serving, this salad is a great option for those looking to increase their protein intake. The protein comes from the blue cheese and the artichoke hearts, both of which are good sources of this essential nutrient.

Vitamins and minerals

This salad is packed with vitamins and minerals, including vitamin C, vitamin K, folate, and potassium. The romaine lettuce and spinach provide a good dose of these nutrients, while the pears and artichoke hearts add additional vitamins and minerals to the mix.

Alergens

This salad contains dairy (blue cheese) and may not be suitable for those with lactose intolerance or dairy allergies. It also contains gluten (Italian dressing) and may not be suitable for those with gluten sensitivities.

Summary

Overall, this Romaine, Pear, and Blue Cheese Salad is a nutritious and delicious option for any meal. It is high in fiber, protein, and vitamins, making it a well-rounded dish that is sure to satisfy your taste buds.

Summary

This Romaine, Pear, and Blue Cheese Salad is a delicious and nutritious option for any meal. With its combination of fresh ingredients and zesty citrus dressing, it's sure to become a favorite in your recipe collection. Enjoy!

How did I get this recipe?

I remember the sense of wonder I felt when I first saw this recipe for Romaine, Pear and Blue Cheese Salad. It was a warm summer day and I was visiting my dear friend Martha in her cozy little farmhouse. Martha was known far and wide for her delicious salads, and she had promised to teach me one of her secret recipes that had been passed down through generations.

As we walked through her garden, Martha picked fresh romaine lettuce leaves, ripe pears from her orchard, and a wedge of creamy blue cheese from her pantry. The colors and textures of the ingredients were so vibrant and enticing, I couldn't wait to see how they would all come together in a salad.

Back in her kitchen, Martha began to show me how to prepare the salad. She started by making a simple vinaigrette with olive oil, balsamic vinegar, and a touch of Dijon mustard. The tangy sweetness of the dressing complemented the earthy bitterness of the lettuce perfectly.

Next, she sliced the pears into thin, delicate slices and arranged them on top of the romaine leaves. The contrast of the juicy, sweet pears against the crisp, fresh lettuce was a sight to behold.

Finally, Martha crumbled the blue cheese over the top of the salad, the creamy richness of the cheese adding a luxurious depth of flavor. With a sprinkle of toasted walnuts for crunch, the salad was complete.

As we sat down to eat, I marveled at how such simple ingredients could come together to create such a delicious and satisfying dish. Martha smiled knowingly, her eyes twinkling with pride as she watched me enjoy the salad.

I asked her where she had learned the recipe, and she told me that it had been passed down from her own grandmother, who had learned it from a French chef many years ago. The salad had become a family favorite, served at special occasions and gatherings to much acclaim.

Inspired by Martha's generosity and the deliciousness of the salad, I made a mental note to add it to my own repertoire of recipes. I knew that this salad would be a hit with my own family and friends, and I couldn't wait to share it with them.

Over the years, I have made Martha's Romaine, Pear and Blue Cheese Salad countless times, each time bringing a sense of joy and nostalgia to the table. The salad has become a staple at family gatherings, potlucks, and dinner parties, always eliciting compliments and requests for the recipe.

I have added my own personal touches to the salad over the years, experimenting with different types of blue cheese, adding a sprinkle of pomegranate seeds for a burst of color, or drizzling the vinaigrette with a hint of honey for sweetness. But the core of the recipe remains the same, a testament to the timeless appeal of simple, fresh ingredients.

As I sit here now, reminiscing about that warm summer day in Martha's farmhouse kitchen, I am filled with gratitude for the knowledge and inspiration she passed on to me. The recipe for Romaine, Pear and Blue Cheese Salad is not just a collection of ingredients and instructions, but a story of friendship, tradition, and the joy of sharing good food with loved ones.

I hope that one day, my own grandchildren will feel the same sense of wonder and excitement as they learn to make this salad, passing on the tradition to future generations. For in the end, it is not just the taste of the salad that matters, but the memories and stories that come with it, connecting us to the past and nourishing us in the present.

Categories

| Artichoke Recipes | Blue Cheese Recipes | Cathy's Recipes | Lemon Juice Recipes | Orange Juice Recipes | Pear Recipes | Romaine Lettuce Recipes | Salad Recipes | Spinach Recipes |

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