Frisée Pear Blue Cheese Bowl

This Frisée Pear Blue Cheese Bowl is a vibrant and refreshing salad that masterfully combines contrasting flavors. The bitter notes of fresh frisée provide a sophisticated base for sweet, ripe pears and the sharp, creamy tang of blue cheese. Crispy prosciutto adds a savory, salty crunch, while a zesty honey-Dijon vinaigrette ties every component together for a perfectly balanced modern European dish.

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Ideal as a starter or a light lunch, this salad is as visually stunning as it is delicious. The combination of textures—from the crisp lettuce to the juicy pears and crunchy walnuts—ensures that every bite is satisfying and full of character.

Ingredients

• 1 large head frisée lettuce, washed and torn into bite-size pieces
• 2 ripe pears, cored and thinly sliced
• 100 g (about 3.5 oz) blue cheese, crumbled
• 4 slices prosciutto
• 40 g (1/3 cup) walnuts, toasted and roughly chopped
• 3 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil
• 1 tbsp white wine vinegar
• 1 tsp Dijon mustard
• 1 tsp honey
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

Instructions

Step 1

Heat a non-stick skillet over medium heat. Add prosciutto slices and cook for 2–3 minutes per side, until crisp. Transfer to a paper towel-lined plate to cool, then break into bite-size pieces.

Step 2

In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, white wine vinegar, Dijon mustard, honey, salt, and pepper to create the vinaigrette.

Step 3

Place frisée in a large salad bowl. Add sliced pears, blue cheese, toasted walnuts, and crispy prosciutto.

Step 4

Drizzle with the vinaigrette and toss gently to combine.

Step 5

Serve immediately, garnished with extra blue cheese or walnuts if desired.

Zusatztipps für die Zubereitung

For the best results, use a salad spinner to ensure the frisée lettuce is thoroughly dry before tossing; this helps the vinaigrette adhere better to the greens. Toasting the walnuts just before assembly will significantly enhance their nutty aroma and crunch.

Varianten und Anpassungen

You can substitute the blue cheese with Gorgonzola or Roquefort depending on your preference for pungency. To make this recipe vegetarian, simply omit the prosciutto or replace it with roasted chickpeas for a similar textural element.

Serviervorschläge

This Frisée Pear Blue Cheese Bowl pairs beautifully with a chilled glass of Sauvignon Blanc or a dry Riesling. It serves as an elegant first course for a multi-course dinner or a standalone healthy meal.

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With only 285 calories per serving and a healthy dose of fats and protein, this salad is a nutritious choice that doesn't compromise on gourmet flavor. Enjoy the crisp textures and the sophisticated interplay of ingredients in this modern classic.

Questions & Answers

→ Can I make this salad ahead of time?

Prepare the vinaigrette and toast walnuts up to 2 days in advance. Assemble just before serving to maintain the crisp texture of frisée and prevent pears from oxidizing.

→ What other greens work well in this combination?

Arugula, radicchio, or baby spinach pair nicely. Mixed greens also work, though frisée's bitter crunch provides the ideal contrast to sweet pears.

→ How do I keep pears from browning?

Toss sliced pears in a tablespoon of lemon juice immediately after cutting. This natural preservative maintains their fresh appearance without altering the flavor profile.

→ What's the best blue cheese variety to use?

Roquefort offers sharp intensity while Gorgonzola Dolce provides creaminess. Stilton falls between with balanced earthiness—choose based on your preferred boldness.

→ Can I serve this warm instead of chilled?

Yes! Briefly wilt the frisée in the warm skillet after crisping prosciutto. The slight warmth softens bitter notes while maintaining texture, creating a comforting variation.