Elevate Your Holiday Dinner with Pear and Blue Cheese Salad

Deliciously Simple: The Classic Pear and Blue Cheese Salad

Pear and blue cheese are a beloved culinary combination, harmonizing sweetness with sharp, savory flavors. This classic salad recipe is particularly perfect for the holiday season, making use of late-fall pears, a time of year when their sweetness is at its peak. The contrast of crisp nuts, refreshing greens, and crumbly blue cheese creates a dish sure to impress guests at any gathering.

Ingredients to Enhance Your Holiday Table

This festive salad requires minimal prep and brings together delightful ingredients:

• 2/3 cup nuts: Choose from walnuts, pecans, almonds, or cashews for delightful crunch.
• 1 bunch of watercress
• 1 bunch of arugula
• 1 tablespoon of cider vinegar
• 2 teaspoons of whole-grain mustard
• 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt, plus more to taste
• Freshly ground black pepper
• 3 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil
• 1 Belgian endive
• 2 ripe pears
• 1/2 cup mild blue cheese

Step-by-Step Instructions

Ready to create this delectable dish? Here’s how:

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Spread your choice of nuts on a baking sheet in a single layer, toasting them for about 7 to 10 minutes until they’re aromatic and golden.
2. While the nuts are roasting, wash and dry your watercress and arugula. In a large salad bowl, whisk together the cider vinegar, mustard, salt, and pepper, before slowly incorporating the olive oil for balance.
3. Prepare the salad greens: trim the endive, thinly slice it, and add it alongside the washed watercress and arugula in the bowl.
4. Quarter and core your pears, slicing them thinly, and add them to the mix. Finally, sprinkle the toasted nuts and crumbled blue cheese over the salad.
5. Toss gently and serve immediately for a fresh and exciting appetizer or side dish!

Tips for Keeping Your Salad Fresh

Ensuring your salad tastes its best when served can be a hurdle during busy holidays. Here are some tips:

• Prep in Advance: Prepare the individual components separately. Store the salad greens and nuts in airtight containers, adding the dressing only right before serving.
• Use Paper Towels: To absorb moisture, adding a paper towel to your container can help keep your salad crunchy and fresh.
• Separate Serving Sizes: If you're making a larger batch, only combine the ingredients you plan to serve immediately to prevent sogginess.

Variations and Personal Touches

There are numerous ways to prepare and personalize your pear and blue cheese salad. You can try:

• Swapping nuts: Use candied pecans or add a sprinkle of dried cranberries for a festive touch.
• Grilled chicken addition: Transform this side salad into a meal by adding grilled chicken for added protein.
• Innovative dressings: Experiment with the dressing; consider a blend of honey, apple cider vinegar, and olive oil to create an enticing sweetness that elevates the dish.

Wine Pairing for Perfect Harmony

For an enhanced dining experience, pair this salad with a crisp white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or Riesling. The wine's acidity will complement the blue cheese beautifully, allowing for a well-rounded palate experience.

This pear and blue cheese salad is not only a sumptuous addition to your holiday table but also a versatile dish that can be adjusted to suit your taste. Whether you're celebrating Thanksgiving, a cozy dinner, or simply wanting to enjoy a delightful salad, this recipe is sure to please all! Don't miss out on creating this crisp, colorful, and nutritious treat; your taste buds will thank you.