Save The Frisée Pear Blue Cheese Bowl is a masterclass in culinary balance. This vibrant salad brings together the pleasant bitterness of fresh frisée, the natural sweetness of ripe pears, and the pungent, creamy tang of blue cheese. With the addition of salty, crispy prosciutto and toasted walnuts, every bite offers a sophisticated interplay of textures and flavors that is sure to impress.
Save This dish exemplifies Modern European cuisine by utilizing high-quality ingredients with minimal processing. The contrast between the cold, crisp greens and the warm, freshly crisped prosciutto creates a dynamic dining experience that elevates a simple salad into a gourmet meal.
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 achieve the perfect crispy prosciutto, ensure the skillet is preheated before adding the slices. Let the meat cool completely on a paper towel; this step is crucial for achieving that signature shatter-crisp texture. If the vinaigrette separates before use, give it a quick whisk to re-emulsify it just before drizzling.
Varianten und Anpassungen
Customize this salad by substituting Gorgonzola or Roquefort for a different blue cheese profile. For a vegetarian version, omit the prosciutto or replace it with roasted chickpeas for a similar salty crunch. You can also try using crisp apples instead of pears for a different variety of fruit sweetness.
Serviervorschläge
This elegant salad pairs beautifully with a chilled glass of Sauvignon Blanc or a dry Riesling, which complements the acidity of the vinaigrette and the richness of the cheese. Serve it as a refreshing starter or a light main course alongside a warm, crusty baguette.
Save Whether you are hosting a formal dinner or simply looking for a refreshing lunch at home, the Frisée Pear Blue Cheese Bowl provides a delightful sensory experience. Enjoy the fresh ingredients and the bold harmony of flavors in every bite.
Recipe FAQs
- → What makes frisée special in salads?
Frisée brings a pleasant bitter note and curly, crunchy texture that contrasts beautifully with sweet ingredients like pears. Its sturdy leaves hold dressing well without wilting.
- → Can I make this bowl ahead?
Prepare components separately up to 4 hours ahead. Store prosciutto, walnuts, and dressing in sealed containers. Toss everything just before serving to maintain crisp textures.
- → What other pears work best?
Bosc and Anjou pears hold their shape well when sliced. Avoid very soft varieties that can become mealy. Choose firm, ripe fruit with slight give when gently pressed.
- → How do I crisp prosciutto properly?
Cook slices in a dry non-stick skillet over medium heat for 2-3 minutes per side. The fat renders and becomes golden, leaving delicate crispy sheets that shatter into bite-sized pieces.
- → What wine pairs well?
A chilled Sauvignon Blanc cuts through the rich blue cheese and prosciutto while complementing the sweet pears. Dry Riesling also works beautifully with the tangy vinaigrette.
- → Any vegetarian alternatives?
Replace prosciutto with crispy roasted chickpeas, pancetta-style mushrooms, or simply add more toasted walnuts for protein and crunch while keeping the bowl satisfying.