Crisp Asian Pear & Blue Cheese Salad
Indulge in this refreshing Crisp Asian Pear & Blue Cheese Salad, inspired by the culinary brilliance of Nathan Lyon. This vibrant dish brings together the sweetness of Asian pears, the bitterness of radicchio, and the creaminess of blue cheese, topped with the crunch of toasted pecans. Perfect for a light lunch or as an elegant side dish for dinner, this salad is packed with textures and flavors that complement each other beautifully. The homemade vinaigrette adds a delightful tang, making each bite a symphony of taste.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
12
Ingredients
Ingredients
Asian pear
1 (peeled and medium diced)
Radicchio
1/2 head (core removed and sliced thin)
Baby greens
2 cups ((beet greens, spinach, or arugula))
Blue cheese
1/4 cup (crumbled)
Toasted pecans
to taste (crushed (optional))
Extra virgin olive oil
2 tablespoons
Dijon mustard
3/4 teaspoon
Apple cider vinegar
1 tablespoon
Sugar or honey
1/4 teaspoon
Kosher salt
to taste
Fresh ground pepper
to taste
Shallots
2 (small diced)
Instructions
1
Start by peeling and dicing the Asian pear into medium-sized cubes. Prepare the radicchio by removing the core and slicing it thinly. Dice the shallots finely.
2
In a large mixing bowl, combine the diced Asian pear, sliced radicchio, baby greens, crumbled blue cheese, and optional crushed toasted pecans, if using. Toss gently to mix the ingredients without bruising the greens.
3
In a separate small bowl, whisk together the extra virgin olive oil, apple cider vinegar, Dijon mustard, sugar (or honey), a pinch of kosher salt, and freshly ground pepper. Mix until well combined to create a smooth vinaigrette.
4
Add the diced shallots to the vinaigrette and stir to incorporate. Set the vinaigrette aside to allow the flavors to meld.
5
When ready to serve, drizzle the vinaigrette over the salad mixture and toss gently to coat the salad evenly. Adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper to taste. Serve immediately for the best flavor and texture.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Crisp Asian Pear & Blue Cheese Salad?
It is a refreshing salad inspired by Nathan Lyon that combines sweet Asian pears, bitter radicchio, and creamy blue cheese.
Who is the culinary inspiration for this recipe?
The recipe is inspired by the culinary brilliance of Nathan Lyon.
What are the primary ingredients in this salad?
The main ingredients include Asian pear, radicchio, baby greens, blue cheese, toasted pecans, and a shallot vinaigrette.
How should I prepare the Asian pear?
The Asian pear should be peeled and cut into medium-sized cubes.
How do I prepare the radicchio?
You should remove the core and slice the radicchio head thinly.
What types of baby greens can be used?
You can use beet greens, spinach, or arugula as the base for this salad.
Is the blue cheese crumbled or sliced?
The blue cheese should be crumbled into the salad.
Are the toasted pecans mandatory?
No, the crushed toasted pecans are an optional ingredient used to add extra crunch.
How do I make the vinaigrette?
Whisk together olive oil, apple cider vinegar, Dijon mustard, sugar or honey, salt, pepper, and diced shallots.
What kind of oil is recommended for the dressing?
Extra virgin olive oil is the recommended oil for the vinaigrette.
Can I use honey instead of sugar in the dressing?
Yes, the recipe allows for either 1/4 teaspoon of sugar or honey as a sweetener.
What type of vinegar is used in this recipe?
The recipe calls for one tablespoon of apple cider vinegar.
How should the shallots be cut?
The shallots should be finely diced or small diced.
When should the shallots be added to the dressing?
Add the diced shallots to the whisked vinaigrette and let the flavors meld before serving.
How do I avoid bruising the salad greens?
Combine the ingredients in a large mixing bowl and toss them gently.
When should I apply the vinaigrette?
Drizzle the vinaigrette over the salad and toss it gently just before you are ready to serve.
Is this salad recipe vegetarian?
Yes, this salad is vegetarian.
Can I adjust the salt and pepper?
Yes, you should adjust the seasoning with additional salt and pepper to your personal taste.
What is the flavor profile of the radicchio?
Radicchio provides a bitter flavor that complements the sweetness of the Asian pear.
What is the texture of this salad?
This salad is described as crisp, crunchy, and creamy.
Is this recipe considered healthy?
Yes, it is tagged as a healthy recipe.
Can I serve this as a main course?
While it is an elegant side dish, it can also be served as a light lunch.
How many ingredients are in this recipe?
There are 12 total ingredients listed for this recipe.
What type of salt is recommended?
The recipe specifically recommends using kosher salt.
Should the salad be served immediately?
Yes, it is best to serve immediately for the best flavor and texture.
What provide the crunch in this dish?
The crunch comes from the fresh Asian pear and the optional toasted pecans.
What role does Dijon mustard play?
Dijon mustard adds tanginess and helps emulsify the vinaigrette.
Can I use different greens if I don't have beet greens?
Yes, spinach or arugula are excellent alternatives.
Is the Asian pear peeled?
Yes, the instructions specify to start by peeling the pear.
What tags are associated with this salad?
Tags include salad, asian pear, blue cheese, radicchio, healthy, appetizer, side dish, vegetarian, fresh, and crunchy.