Frisée Pear Blue Cheese Bowl

Indulge in a Frisée Pear Blue Cheese Bowl, a vibrant and refreshing Modern European salad that offers a masterclass in flavor balance. This dish brings together the natural bitterness of frisée greens with the succulent sweetness of ripe pears and the sharp tang of blue cheese for a sophisticated culinary experience.

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What sets this salad apart is the delightful interplay of textures. The crunch of toasted walnuts and the snap of crispy prosciutto complement the creamy cheese and tender fruit, all brought together by a zesty vinaigrette made with white wine vinegar and Dijon mustard.

Ingredients

• Greens & Fruits: 1 large head frisée lettuce (washed and torn), 2 ripe pears (cored and thinly sliced)
• Dairy & Cheese: 100 g (about 3.5 oz) blue cheese, crumbled
• Meats: 4 slices prosciutto
• Nuts: 40 g (1/3 cup) walnuts, toasted and roughly chopped
• Dressing: 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

Using a salad spinner to dry your frisée is highly recommended to ensure the dressing adheres perfectly to the greens. Always allow the prosciutto to cool on a paper towel before breaking it up to ensure maximum crispness.

Varianten und Anpassungen

For a different profile, you can substitute Gorgonzola or Roquefort for the blue cheese. To make this dish vegetarian, simply omit the prosciutto or replace it with roasted chickpeas for a similar crunch.

Serviervorschläge

This salad is best served immediately to preserve the textures. It pairs beautifully with a chilled Sauvignon Blanc or a dry Riesling, making it an ideal starter for an elegant dinner party.

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Whether you're looking for a light lunch or a sophisticated side dish, this Frisée Pear Blue Cheese Bowl delivers a refreshing and well-balanced meal that celebrates modern European flavors.

Recipe FAQs

→ Can I make this ahead of time?

Prepare components separately up to 4 hours ahead. Keep dressing refrigerated and toss everything just before serving to maintain crisp textures and prevent wilting.

→ What can I substitute for frisée?

Arugula, endive, or mixed baby greens work well. Each brings a slightly different bitterness level that still complements the sweet pears and tangy cheese.

→ How do I prevent pears from browning?

Toss sliced pears with a tablespoon of the vinaigrette or lemon juice immediately after cutting. The acid helps preserve their fresh, pale color.

→ Is there a vegetarian option?

Simply omit the prosciutto or replace with roasted chickpeas, crispy pancetta alternatives, or toasted pumpkin seeds for a protein boost.

→ What other cheeses work well?

Gorgonzola offers a milder tang, while Roquefort provides more intense flavor. For something different, try aged goat cheese or shaved Parmesan.