If you’re looking for a salad that effortlessly balances bold flavors and fresh, crisp textures, the Pear Salad with Blue Cheese and Rocket Recipe is an absolute must-try. This delightful dish combines juicy pears, peppery rocket, and creamy blue cheese into a vibrant salad that feels both luxuriously indulgent and wonderfully light. It’s so simple to prepare yet impressive enough to serve as a side at a casual lunch or a chic dinner party. The mix of toasted walnuts adds a perfect crunch, tying all the components into a beautifully harmonious bite every time.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering the right ingredients is the first step to making this salad sing. Each element serves a special purpose, whether it’s flavor, texture, or color, bringing together an irresistible ensemble.
- Pears (1 1/2 – 2, juicy and ripe): They provide sweetness and a refreshing, crisp bite to contrast the salad’s richness.
- Walnuts (3/4 cup, whole): Toasting them intensifies their nutty aroma and adds crunch.
- Rocket (120g / 4 oz): Its peppery notes awaken the palate and add vibrant green color.
- Blue cheese (120g / 4 oz): Creamy yet crumbly, it brings a tangy sharpness that stands out beautifully.
- Dijon mustard (1 1/2 tbsp): Adds a touch of spice and depth to the dressing.
- Honey (1 1/2 tbsp): Sweetens the dressing gently, balancing the tart vinegar and sharp cheese.
- Cider vinegar (1 1/2 tbsp): Provides bright acidity for a refreshing finish.
- Vegetable or olive oil (1 1/2 tbsp): Smooths out the dressing and helps everything coat evenly.
- Salt (1/4 tsp): Enhances all underlying flavors without overpowering.
- Black pepper (1/8 tsp): Adds a subtle kick to complete the dressing’s profile.
How to Make Pear Salad with Blue Cheese and Rocket Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Dressing
The key to this salad’s harmony lies in the dressing. Simply combine the Dijon mustard, honey, cider vinegar, vegetable or olive oil, salt, and black pepper in a jar. Shake it well until everything is emulsified into a smooth, glossy dressing that perfectly balances sweet, sour, and savory flavors.
Step 2: Slice the Pears
Choose ripe, juicy pears to get that maximum burst of sweetness. Halve each pear and scoop out the core, then place the cut side down to slice them thinly into approximately 3mm thick pieces. This thickness lets the pears retain their juiciness and crunch without overwhelming the other textures in the salad.
Step 3: Toast the Walnuts
Toast the walnuts in a preheated oven at 180°C/350°F for about 8 minutes. Keep an eye on them until they release a warm, nutty aroma. This step is essential because it unlocks the rich, toasty flavor of the nuts. Leave some walnuts whole and break a few into halves to create a varied texture.
Step 4: Toss the Rocket
In a large bowl, gently toss the fresh rocket leaves with 2 tablespoons of the prepared dressing. This light coating helps the greens stay fresh and flavorful without becoming soggy, setting the stage for layering other ingredients.
Step 5: Assemble Your Salad
Begin by placing one third of the dressed rocket on a serving platter. Scatter on one third of the pears, toasted walnuts, and blue cheese crumbles. Repeat this layering two more times to create a salad with beautiful height and balance. Finally, drizzle the remaining dressing over the top just before serving to keep every bite vibrant and delicious.
How to Serve Pear Salad with Blue Cheese and Rocket Recipe
Garnishes
To elevate your Pear Salad with Blue Cheese and Rocket Recipe, consider adding a sprinkle of finely chopped fresh herbs like chives or parsley. A few pomegranate seeds also add a pop of color and a subtle burst of tartness that pairs wonderfully with the creamy cheese.
Side Dishes
This salad works beautifully alongside grilled chicken or roasted pork, where its fresh flavors provide a pleasant contrast. It also stands on its own as a light lunch or pairs perfectly with crusty artisan bread and a glass of crisp white wine for a simple yet satisfying meal.
Creative Ways to Present
Presenting this salad as a layered parfait in clear glasses can be a stunning option for dinner parties. Alternatively, serve it on individual small plates arranged in neat stacks or in rustic wooden bowls for a casual, farm-to-table feel that emphasizes the fresh, natural ingredients.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have leftover Pear Salad with Blue Cheese and Rocket Recipe, store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The salad is best eaten within a day since the rocket can wilt and the pears may soften. Keep the dressing separate if possible to preserve freshness.
Freezing
This salad is not suitable for freezing, as the fresh rocket and pears will lose their texture and become mushy. It’s best enjoyed fresh or stored briefly in the fridge as described.
Reheating
There’s no need to reheat this salad. It’s designed to shine as a fresh, cold dish. However, if served alongside warm proteins or grains, the contrast creates a wonderful dining experience.
FAQs
Can I use other types of cheese instead of blue cheese?
Blue cheese is key to this salad’s bold flavor, but if you’re not a fan, try creamy goat cheese or feta for a milder tang. Just keep in mind the flavor balance will shift.
What can I substitute for rocket if I can’t find it?
Arugula is another name for rocket, so they are interchangeable. If unavailable, try baby spinach or watercress, though the peppery bite will be gentler.
How long does this salad stay fresh after assembling?
It’s best eaten the same day it’s prepared, ideally within a few hours. The pears can oxidize and the rocket may wilt if left too long.
Can I prep parts of the salad in advance?
You can toast the walnuts and make the dressing a day ahead. Just keep the rocket, pears, and cheese separate and assemble when ready to serve.
Is this salad suitable for a vegetarian diet?
Yes! All the ingredients are plant-based except for the cheese. To keep it vegetarian, simply ensure the cheese is made without animal rennet.
Final Thoughts
I truly hope you give this Pear Salad with Blue Cheese and Rocket Recipe a try—it’s become a cherished favorite for so many good reasons. The combination of sweet, tangy, peppery, and creamy flavors comes together in such a simple, breathtaking way. Whether you’re whipping it up for a quick lunch or impressing guests at your next gathering, this salad never fails to delight. Happy cooking and enjoy every delicious bite!
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Pear Salad with Blue Cheese and Rocket Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 8 minutes
- Total Time: 23 minutes
- Yield: 5 to 6 servings as a side dish
- Category: Salad
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: International
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Pear Salad with Blue Cheese and Rocket is a refreshing and elegant side dish combining juicy ripe pears, toasted walnuts, peppery rocket leaves, and tangy blue cheese. The salad is dressed with a simple yet flavorful Dijon mustard, honey, and cider vinegar dressing that perfectly complements the sweet and savory flavors.
Ingredients
Salad
- 1 1/2 – 2 pears, any type, juicy and ripe (or nashi pears or sweet apples)
- 3/4 cup walnuts, whole (substitute almonds or pecans if desired)
- 120g / 4 oz rocket/arugula lettuce
- 120g / 4 oz Roquefort, Gorgonzola, Stilton or other good blue cheese, creamy but can be crumbled into chunks
Dressing
- 1 1/2 tbsp Dijon mustard
- 1 1/2 tbsp honey
- 1 1/2 tbsp cider vinegar
- 1 1/2 tbsp vegetable or olive oil
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/8 tsp black pepper
Instructions
- Make Dressing: Combine Dijon mustard, honey, cider vinegar, vegetable or olive oil, salt, and black pepper in a jar. Shake well until the ingredients are fully blended and emulsified, creating a smooth dressing.
- Prepare Pears: Halve the pears and scoop out the cores. Place the cut side down on a cutting board, then slice into thin 3mm (0.12 inch) slices for delicate texture and presentation.
- Toast Walnuts: Spread walnuts evenly on a baking tray and toast in a preheated oven at 180°C (350°F) for about 8 minutes or until they emit a nutty aroma. Remove and allow to cool slightly. Leave some walnuts whole and break some into halves by hand for varied texture.
- Toss Rocket with Dressing: In a large mixing bowl, toss the rocket leaves with about 2 tablespoons of the prepared dressing to lightly coat the leaves without wilting them.
- Assemble Salad: On a serving platter, create the salad by layering one-third of dressed rocket, followed by one-third of pear slices, one-third of toasted walnuts, and one-third of crumbled blue cheese chunks. Repeat this layering two more times to build a vibrant and visually appealing salad. Right before serving, drizzle the remaining dressing evenly over the top for added flavor.
Notes
- You can substitute pears with nashi pears or sweet apples depending on availability and preference.
- Blue cheese varieties such as Roquefort, Gorgonzola, or Stilton work best for their creamy texture and strong flavor.
- Toast the walnuts carefully to avoid burning, which will impart bitterness.
- This salad serves well as a side dish to complement grilled meats or as a light starter.
