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–+ servings
Barefoot Contessa Pear and Blue Cheese Salad

Delicious Barefoot Contessa Pear and Blue Cheese Salad Recipe

Discover the Barefoot Contessa Pear and Blue Cheese Salad, a perfect summer dish combining vibrant greens, juicy pears, and creamy blue cheese.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Total Time 15 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Salads
Cuisine: American
Calories: 250
Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Salad
  • 6 cups Mixed Greens Arugula or spinach can be substitutes.
  • 2 Ripe Pears Use firm varieties like Bosc for the best flavor.
  • ½ cup Crumbled Blue Cheese Goat cheese can be a milder alternative.
  • ½ cup Toasted Walnuts or Pecans Sunflower seeds for a nut-free option.
  • ¼ cup Dried Cranberries Optional; feel free to omit if preferred.
For the Vinaigrette
  • ¼ cup Freshly Squeezed Lemon Juice About 2 lemons.
  • ¼ cup Olive Oil Rich base for the vinaigrette.
  • 1 teaspoon Dijon Mustard Adds tanginess.
  • 1 tablespoon Honey Substitute with maple syrup for a vegan option.
  • Salt and Freshly Ground Black Pepper To taste.

Equipment

  • small bowl
  • large salad bowl
  • whisk

Method
 

Step-by-Step Instructions
  1. In a small bowl, whisk together ¼ cup of freshly squeezed lemon juice, 1 teaspoon of Dijon mustard, 1 tablespoon of honey, and a pinch of salt and freshly ground black pepper. Set aside.
  2. Gradually drizzle in ¼ cup of olive oil while whisking constantly until the dressing thickens slightly.
  3. Place 6 cups of mixed greens in a large salad bowl or on a serving platter.
  4. Carefully slice 2 ripe pears into thin wedges and layer them over the mixed greens.
  5. Sprinkle ½ cup of crumbled blue cheese and ½ cup of toasted walnuts or pecans over the salad. Optionally add ¼ cup of dried cranberries.
  6. Drizzle the prepared vinaigrette over the salad just before serving.
  7. Gently toss all the ingredients together until they are evenly coated with the vinaigrette.

Nutrition

Serving: 1servingCalories: 250kcalCarbohydrates: 20gProtein: 6gFat: 18gSaturated Fat: 6gPolyunsaturated Fat: 3gMonounsaturated Fat: 8gCholesterol: 15mgSodium: 200mgPotassium: 300mgFiber: 4gSugar: 10gVitamin A: 1500IUVitamin C: 20mgCalcium: 150mgIron: 1mg

Notes

Use ripe but firm pears to prevent them from becoming mushy. Toast walnuts or pecans in a dry skillet for enhanced flavor.

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