Frisée Pear Blue Cheese Bowl

Discover a sophisticated balance of flavors with this Frisée Pear Blue Cheese Bowl. This modern European salad is a vibrant and refreshing dish that features the slight bitterness of frisée lettuce, the natural sweetness of ripe pears, and the sharp tang of crumbled blue cheese, all brought together by the salty crunch of pan-fried prosciutto.

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Tossed in a zesty homemade vinaigrette, this salad provides a delightful culinary experience that is both light and satisfying, making it an excellent addition to any menu.

Ingredients

• Greens & Fruits: 1 large head frisée lettuce, washed and torn into bite-size pieces; 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

To ensure the best results, use a salad spinner to dry the frisée lettuce thoroughly so the vinaigrette adheres well. A whisk and small mixing bowl are essential for creating a smooth, emulsified dressing.

Varianten und Anpassungen

You can substitute Gorgonzola or Roquefort for a different blue cheese profile. For a vegetarian version, simply omit the prosciutto or replace it with roasted chickpeas for a similar crunch.

Serviervorschläge

Serve this salad immediately to maintain the crispness of the prosciutto. It pairs beautifully with a chilled Sauvignon Blanc or a dry Riesling.

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This gluten-free dish provides approximately 285 calories per serving, offering a nutritious and sophisticated option for any salad lover.

Recipe FAQs

→ What does frisée taste like?

Frisée has a pleasantly bitter, peppery flavor with a crunchy texture. It adds nice contrast to sweet ingredients like pears and rich elements like blue cheese.

→ Can I make this salad vegetarian?

Yes, simply omit the prosciutto or replace it with roasted chickpeas, crispy chickpea croutons, or toasted pumpkin seeds for protein and crunch.

→ How do I prevent the pears from browning?

Toss the sliced pears with a little lemon juice right after cutting them. This natural acid prevents oxidation while complementing the vinaigrette flavors.

→ What other blue cheeses work well?

Gorgonzola dolce offers a milder creaminess, while Roquefort delivers intense sharpness. Stilton falls somewhere between with its crumbly texture and robust flavor profile.

→ Can I prepare this salad in advance?

You can wash and dry the frisée, toast the walnuts, cook the prosciutto, and whisk the dressing up to a day ahead. Assemble just before serving to maintain the perfect crisp texture.

→ What wine pairs best?

A chilled Sauvignon Blanc cuts through the rich blue cheese beautifully, while a dry Riesling complements the sweet pears and balances the vinaigrette's acidity.