Save The Frisée Pear Blue Cheese Bowl is a vibrant and refreshing salad that expertly balances contrasting flavors and textures. This Modern European dish features bitter frisée greens paired with sweet ripe pears, tangy blue cheese, and crispy prosciutto, all brought together by a zesty vinaigrette for a sophisticated culinary experience.
Save Whether you are serving this for a midday meal or as a refined starter, the combination of fresh ingredients and simple preparation makes it a standout recipe. The zesty vinaigrette with a hint of honey perfectly complements the creamy blue cheese and crunchy toasted walnuts.
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
To ensure the best texture, use a salad spinner to dry the frisée lettuce thoroughly after washing. Use a non-stick skillet for the prosciutto to achieve a perfect crisp without it sticking to the pan.
Varianten und Anpassungen
For a different blue cheese flavor, you can substitute Gorgonzola or Roquefort. To create a vegetarian version, simply omit the prosciutto or replace it with roasted chickpeas for a similar crunch.
Serviervorschläge
This salad pairs beautifully with a chilled Sauvignon Blanc or a dry Riesling. Serve immediately after tossing to enjoy the delightful contrast of the warm crispy prosciutto and the fresh, cool greens.
Save Enjoy this Frisée Pear Blue Cheese Bowl as a testament to how simple, high-quality ingredients can come together to create a truly vibrant and satisfying meal. Its balance of sweet, savory, and bitter elements is sure to impress.
Recipe Questions & Answers
- → What makes frisée special in this bowl?
Frisée's curly, bitter leaves provide excellent texture and contrast to sweet pears and rich blue cheese. Its sturdy structure holds dressing well while adding sophisticated bitterness that balances the other flavors.
- → Can I prepare components ahead?
Yes! Toast walnuts and cook prosciutto up to 2 days ahead. Store separately at room temperature. Slice pears and whisk vinaigrette a few hours before serving, but toss everything together just before eating to maintain crispness.
- → What pears work best?
Bosc or Anjou pears are ideal for their firm texture and balanced sweetness. They hold their shape when sliced and provide enough sweetness to complement the bitter frisée without overpowering the delicate blue cheese.
- → Is there a vegetarian option?
Absolutely. Simply omit the prosciutto or replace it with roasted chickpeas for protein and crunch. The bowl remains satisfying and delicious, with the cheese and walnuts providing ample richness and texture.
- → What wine pairs well?
A chilled Sauvignon Blanc cuts through the rich blue cheese while complementing the pears' sweetness. Dry Riesling also works beautifully, its crisp acidity balancing the bitter greens and tangy cheese.
- → How do I prevent pears from browning?
Toss sliced pears with a teaspoon of lemon juice immediately after cutting. This natural antioxidant prevents oxidation while adding subtle brightness that enhances the vinaigrette's zesty character.