Roquefort Pear Salad

Are you looking for a salad that brings together sweet, savory, and crunchy in every bite? The Roquefort Pear Salad does just that! With the delightful flavors of ripe pears, creamy Roquefort cheese, and the crispness of fresh greens, this salad is a hit for any meal.

Why Make This Recipe

This Roquefort Pear Salad is perfect for many occasions. It’s easy to make, healthy, and tastes amazing! Whether you’re cooking for a family dinner, hosting friends, or just want something light and delicious, this salad is a great choice. Plus, it’s a fantastic way to use up pears and enjoy the rich flavor of Roquefort cheese.

How to Make Roquefort Pear Salad

Making this salad is simple and quick. Follow these easy steps to create a fresh and tasty dish.

Ingredients

• 0.5 cup pecans
• 0.25 cup white sugar
• 0.333 cup olive oil
• 3 tablespoons red wine vinegar
• 1.5 teaspoons white sugar
• 1.5 teaspoons prepared mustard
• 1 clove garlic, chopped
• 0.5 teaspoon salt
• Fresh ground black pepper to taste
• 1 head green leaf lettuce, torn into bite-sized pieces
• 3 medium pears – peeled, cored, and chopped
• 5 ounces Roquefort cheese, crumbled
• 1 medium avocado – peeled, pitted, and diced
• 0.5 cup thinly sliced green onions

Directions

1. Gather all your ingredients before you start.

2. To make the candied pecans, combine the pecans and 0.25 cup of sugar in a skillet over medium heat. Cook and stir gently until the sugar melts and the pecans become caramelized, about 5 to 7 minutes.

3. Carefully transfer the nuts to a sheet of waxed paper to cool.

4. While the pecans cool, make the dressing. In a bowl, whisk together olive oil, red wine vinegar, the remaining 1.5 teaspoons of sugar, prepared mustard, chopped garlic, salt, and black pepper.

5. Now, it’s time to assemble the salad! In a large serving bowl, layer the torn lettuce, chopped pears, crumbled Roquefort cheese, diced avocado, and sliced green onions.

6. Pour the dressing over the salad.

7. Finally, break the cooled pecans into pieces and sprinkle them over the top.

How to Serve Roquefort Pear Salad

Serve this salad right away as a refreshing side dish or a light meal. It pairs nicely with grilled meats or can be enjoyed on its own for a healthy option.

How to Store Roquefort Pear Salad

If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the fridge. However, the salad is best enjoyed fresh. Keep the dressing separate if you plan to store it, to prevent the lettuce from getting soggy.

Tips to Make Roquefort Pear Salad

• Use ripe, juicy pears for the best flavor.
• Feel free to adjust the amount of Roquefort cheese based on your preference.
• For extra crunch, you can add some crispy bacon bits or trade pecans for walnuts.

Variation

You can customize the salad by adding other fruits like apple slices or berries. Swap out the cheese for another variety, like feta or goat cheese, if you prefer!

FAQs

1. Can I use different nuts?
Yes! Walnuts or almonds work great as alternatives to pecans.

2. Is Roquefort cheese necessary?
While Roquefort adds a unique flavor, you can substitute with any blue cheese you like.

3. How do I make this salad vegan?
You can skip the cheese or use a vegan cheese alternative, and replace the honey with a suitable sweetener.