A Delectable Recipe: Pear And Goat Cheese Salad

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Are you yearning for a simple, yet tasty salad recipe? Look no further! This delightful pear salad with arugula, red onion, walnuts, and two cheeses – creamy goat and blue cheese – is a marvelous choice. Whether you’re looking for a quick weeknight meal or planning to entertain guests, this salad is sure to impress.

Table of Contents

Pear Salad with a Twist of Cheese

Pears and cheese – a match made in heaven, wouldn’t you agree? Italians have long been fond of this combination, and it’s not hard to see why. Unlike apples and peaches, pears possess a subtle acidity and a unique texture. These qualities make them a perfect companion for various cheeses, especially young, soft goat cheese and creamy blue cheese.

All About Arugula

Arugula, one of my all-time favorite greens, adds a delightful twist to this salad. Often described as “bitter,” I find it to be more nutty and peppery in taste. Its versatility shines through when paired with other ingredients, such as strawberries and feta cheese or in a hearty roasted cauliflower salad. The best part? Arugula is incredibly easy to grow from seed, making it an ideal choice for even the least green-thumbed among us.

A Little Something for Everyone

If arugula isn’t your cup of tea, fear not! You can easily substitute it with watercress, spinach, or baby mixed greens. The goal is to create a salad that suits your taste buds perfectly.

Cheese Selection for the Win

Why settle for just one cheese when you can have two? In this recipe, I couldn’t resist the allure of both goat cheese and blue cheese. Opt for a soft, unripened goat cheese (the kind that comes in a log) and a creamy cow’s milk blue cheese. Not a fan of goat or blue cheese? Don’t worry, a good Parmesan or aged Pecorino sheep’s milk cheese will work wonders as well.

Picking the Perfect Pears

Choosing the right type of pear can elevate your salad to new heights. Here are a few varieties to consider:

Bartlett: With its juicy sweetness and refreshing acidity, Bartlett pears are an excellent choice for salads, snacking, and even desserts.
D’Anjou (or Anjou): Plump and green, D’Anjou pears offer a pleasantly crisp texture that works wonders in salads and roasting.
Comice: If you’re seeking a pear with creamy flesh, exquisite sweetness, and a touch of red blush, look no further than the Comice variety. It pairs exceptionally well with cheese.
Bosc: Featuring bronze-amber-colored skin and a uniquely spicy flavor, Bosc pears add a delightful twist to any dish. They’re especially suitable for poaching in red wine.

How to Prepare Pears for Salad

Follow these simple steps to cut your pears for the salad:

Choose a pear that feels firm with a slight give near the stem.
Wash the pear under cold water.
Slice it in half lengthwise through the stem.
Use a small spoon or a melon baller to remove the core.
Lay each half cut-side down and slice into 1/4-inch thick half-moons.

Tip: If you’re not using the pears immediately, sprinkle the slices with lemon juice to prevent browning. After all, we eat with our eyes too, and beautiful, fresh-looking pears can make all the difference.

A Dressing to Complete the Symphony of Flavors

The combination of nutty arugula greens, walnuts, salty cheese, and sweet pears calls for a dressing that perfectly harmonizes these flavors. This dressing strikes a balance between sweetness and tanginess, thanks to the blend of honey, lemon juice, and vinegar. Rice wine or white wine vinegar, with its mild acidity, helps prevent an overpowering sharpness.