Irresistible Barefoot Contessa Pear and Blue Cheese Salad

The Barefoot Contessa Pear and Blue Cheese Salad Recipe is a delightful medley that dances on your taste buds, combining sweet, juicy pears with the rich, creamy tang of blue cheese. The crunch of fresh greens adds a wonderful texture that makes each bite a culinary adventure.

Imagine serving this vibrant salad at your next gathering—a real crowd-pleaser that brings smiles and satisfied sighs. Not only does it look stunning on the table, but it also packs a flavor punch that makes you feel like a gourmet chef without all the fuss.

Ingredients for Barefoot Contessa Pear and Blue Cheese Salad Recipe

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:

• Fresh Mixed Greens: A combination of arugula, spinach, and romaine adds flavor and texture to the salad.
• Ripe Pears: Choose firm yet ripe pears for the best sweetness and juiciness that complements the cheese.
• Blue Cheese: Opt for crumbled blue cheese for its creamy texture and bold flavor that enhances the salad.
• Walnuts: Lightly toasted walnuts add crunch and nuttiness; they can be easily substituted with pecans if desired.
• Fresh Lemon Juice: Provides a bright acidity that balances the richness of the blue cheese beautifully.
• Extra Virgin Olive Oil: Use high-quality olive oil for dressing; it enhances flavors without overpowering them.
• Honey: A drizzle of honey adds just the right amount of sweetness to tie everything together.

The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.

How to Make Barefoot Contessa Pear and Blue Cheese Salad Recipe

Follow these simple steps to prepare this delicious dish:

Step 1: Prepare Your Ingredients

Start by washing your fresh mixed greens thoroughly under cold water. Pat them dry with a clean towel or use a salad spinner if you have one—salad sogginess is not our goal here!

Step 2: Slice Those Pears

Grab your ripe pears and slice them thinly. You can leave the skin on for added color and nutrients—plus, who doesn’t love a little extra fiber?

Step 3: Toast the Walnuts

In a dry skillet over medium heat, add your walnuts. Toast them for about 5 minutes until they’re fragrant and golden brown, stirring occasionally to prevent burning. This step adds an irresistible crunch!

Step 4: Make the Dressing

In a small bowl, whisk together fresh lemon juice, extra virgin olive oil, and honey until well combined. Taste it—if it’s too tart for your liking, add more honey!

Step 5: Assemble Your Salad

In a large serving bowl, toss together the mixed greens, sliced pears, crumbled blue cheese, and toasted walnuts gently so as not to break up the cheese too much.

Step 6: Dress It Up

Drizzle your homemade dressing over the salad just before serving to keep everything crisp. Toss gently once more to coat every leaf evenly in deliciousness!

Transfer to plates or serve straight from the bowl—either way, enjoy this flavorful masterpiece as part of a lovely meal or on its own!

Perfecting the Cooking Process

Start by preparing the dressing first. Whisk together olive oil, balsamic vinegar, and honey for a quick burst of flavor. Next, slice the ripe pears and crumbled blue cheese. Assemble the salad with mixed greens and nuts just before serving for maximum freshness.

Add Your Touch

Feel free to customize this salad with different nuts like walnuts or pecans for extra crunch. Swap blue cheese for feta if you prefer a milder flavor. Add grilled chicken or turkey slices for a heartier meal option.

Storing & Reheating

For optimal freshness, store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge without the dressing. When ready to eat, drizzle with dressing anew to revive those flavors. Enjoy within two days for the best quality.

Sometimes I whip up this salad while my friends are over, and it never fails to spark joy (and maybe a little competition on who can eat the most). It’s always a hit!

FAQs :

What is the main ingredient in Barefoot Contessa Pear and Blue Cheese Salad Recipe?

The main ingredients in the Barefoot Contessa Pear and Blue Cheese Salad Recipe are ripe pears, blue cheese, and mixed greens. The combination of sweet pears and tangy blue cheese creates a delicious balance of flavors. Additionally, a light vinaigrette dressing enhances the salad without overpowering the ingredients. You can also customize it by adding nuts or seeds for an extra crunch.

How can I make the dressing for this salad?

To make the dressing for the Barefoot Contessa Pear and Blue Cheese Salad Recipe, whisk together olive oil, balsamic vinegar, and a touch of honey for sweetness. This simple vinaigrette complements the flavors of the salad beautifully. Adjust the proportions to your taste, adding salt and pepper as desired. This dressing is light and fresh, perfect for drizzling over the savory ingredients.

Can I substitute blue cheese in this recipe?

Yes, you can substitute blue cheese in the Barefoot Contessa Pear and Blue Cheese Salad Recipe if desired. Feta cheese or goat cheese are great alternatives that still provide a tangy flavor profile. These substitutions offer a different taste experience while maintaining the salad’s creamy texture. Choose whichever cheese you prefer to suit your palate.

What nuts pair well with this pear salad?

Walnuts or pecans pair excellently with the Barefoot Contessa Pear and Blue Cheese Salad Recipe. Their crunchy texture adds depth to each bite while complementing the sweetness of the pears and creaminess of the blue cheese. Toasted nuts enhance their flavor even further, making them a delightful addition to this refreshing salad.

Conclusion for Barefoot Contessa Pear and Blue Cheese Salad Recipe :

In conclusion, this Barefoot Contessa Pear and Blue Cheese Salad Recipe combines sweet pears with tangy blue cheese over mixed greens, creating a delightful dish perfect for any occasion. The homemade vinaigrette enhances its flavor while optional nuts provide added crunch. Easy to prepare and highly customizable, this salad allows you to impress guests with minimal effort. Enjoy this harmonious blend of flavors at your next gathering!

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Barefoot Contessa Pear and Blue Cheese Salad

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Barefoot Contessa Pear and Blue Cheese Salad is a vibrant and delightful dish that harmoniously blends sweet, juicy pears with the rich creaminess of blue cheese, all atop a bed of fresh mixed greens. This elegant salad is not only visually stunning but also incredibly flavorful, making it a perfect centerpiece for your next gathering or a refreshing side for any meal. Quick and easy to prepare, it’s versatile enough to be enjoyed as a light lunch or paired with your favorite proteins.

• Total Time: 20 minutes
• Yield: Serves 4

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 4 cups fresh mixed greens (arugula, spinach, romaine)
• 2 ripe pears, sliced
• 1 cup crumbled blue cheese
• 1/2 cup walnuts, lightly toasted
• 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice
• 3 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
• 1 tbsp honey

Instructions

1. Wash and dry the mixed greens thoroughly.
2. Slice the ripe pears thinly, keeping the skins on for added texture.
3. Toast the walnuts in a dry skillet over medium heat for about 5 minutes until fragrant.
4. Whisk together lemon juice, olive oil, and honey in a small bowl.
5. In a large bowl, combine mixed greens, sliced pears, crumbled blue cheese, and toasted walnuts gently.
6. Drizzle the dressing over the salad just before serving and toss lightly to coat.

• Author: Jennifer
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 5 minutes
• Category: Salad
• Method: Tossing
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 salad serving (approximately 200g)
• Calories: 350
• Sugar: 12g
• Sodium: 410mg
• Fat: 24g
• Saturated Fat: 7g
• Unsaturated Fat: 16g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 28g
• Fiber: 5g
• Protein: 10g
• Cholesterol: 25mg

Keywords: Substitute walnuts with pecans or use feta cheese for a milder flavor. For added protein, consider topping with grilled chicken or turkey slices. Store any leftovers in an airtight container without dressing; add dressing just before consuming.