Barefoot Contessa Pear and Blue Cheese Salad 🍐🧀

Barefoot Contessa Pear and Blue Cheese Salad 🍐🧀

This Pear and Blue Cheese Salad, inspired by the Barefoot Contessa, is a beautifully balanced dish featuring sweet, ripe pears, tangy blue cheese, crunchy walnuts, and a light vinaigrette. It’s perfect as an elegant starter or a light main course for any occasion.

Ingredients:

For the Salad:

6 cups mixed greens (arugula, spinach, or mesclun mix)

2 ripe pears, thinly sliced

½ cup crumbled blue cheese (such as Roquefort or Gorgonzola)

½ cup toasted walnuts or pecans

¼ cup dried cranberries (optional)

For the Vinaigrette:

¼ cup freshly squeezed lemon juice (about 2 lemons)

¼ cup olive oil

1 teaspoon Dijon mustard

1 tablespoon honey

Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste

Instructions:

Prepare the Vinaigrette:

In a small bowl, whisk together the lemon juice, Dijon mustard, honey, salt, and pepper.

Gradually add the olive oil while whisking until the vinaigrette is well emulsified. Set aside.

Assemble the Salad: 3. Place the mixed greens in a large salad bowl. 4. Top with the sliced pears, crumbled blue cheese, toasted walnuts, and dried cranberries (if using).

Dress and Serve: 5. Drizzle the vinaigrette over the salad and toss gently to coat. 6. Serve immediately, garnished with extra blue cheese or walnuts if desired.

Details:

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Total Time: 10 minutes

Servings: 4

Tips:

Use firm but ripe pears for the best texture and flavor.

For a heartier version, add grilled chicken or prosciutto.