If you are looking for a salad that effortlessly brings together crisp textures, vibrant colors, and a burst of sophisticated flavors, this Asian Pear Salad with Blue Cheese and Mixed Greens Recipe is an absolute must-try. The juicy sweetness of fresh Asian pears paired with the tangy creaminess of blue cheese creates a delightful contrast that dances on your palate, all resting atop a bed of bitter and peppery mixed greens. Each bite offers a refreshing crunch and a complex taste profile that makes this salad feel both elegant and comforting—perfect for any occasion where you want to impress with minimal fuss.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Don’t be fooled by the simplicity of this list; each ingredient plays a crucial role in creating the harmony of flavors and textures that make this Asian Pear Salad with Blue Cheese and Mixed Greens Recipe so special. From the peppery greens to the sweet grapes and pungent blue cheese, every component adds something unique and essential.
- 1/4 cup olive oil: This forms the base of our dressing, lending a rich, fruity smoothness that ties all the flavors together.
- 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar: Adds a bright acidity that balances the sweetness of the pears perfectly.
- 1 tablespoon wholegrain mustard: Brings a subtle kick and depth to the dressing without overpowering the salad.
- 1 teaspoon sea salt: Enhances all the natural flavors and seasons the salad just right.
- 1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper: Offers a gentle heat that compliments the peppery arugula beautifully.
- 1 teaspoon granulated sugar: Rounds out the acidity and sharpness with a hint of sweetness.
- 2 cups baby arugula: Provides a fresh, peppery bite that forms the salad’s lively green base.
- 2 cups chopped frisée: Adds both texture and a mild bitterness that makes the blue cheese and fruit shine.
- 1/2 head radicchio, thinly sliced: Contributes vibrant color and a slight bitterness that elevates the salad’s complexity.
- 1 cup red grapes, halved: Bursts of juicy sweetness that provide balance and contrast throughout.
- 3 ounces blue cheese: The star ingredient that brings creamy tanginess and a savory punch.
- 3 Asian pears, thinly sliced: Crisp, subtly sweet slices that add refreshing crunch and make this salad truly distinctive.
How to Make Asian Pear Salad with Blue Cheese and Mixed Greens Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Dressing
Begin by whisking together the olive oil, red wine vinegar, wholegrain mustard, sea salt, freshly ground black pepper, and granulated sugar in a large mixing bowl. This vibrant dressing is the soul of the salad, perfectly balancing acidity, sweetness, and spice in one fluid motion. Taking the time to properly emulsify the dressing ensures every bite is consistently flavorful and delicious.
Step 2: Toss the Greens
Next, add your peppery baby arugula, slightly bitter chopped frisée, and the colorful radicchio to the bowl with the dressing. Gently toss everything together until the greens are evenly coated. This step lightly softens the leaves just enough to meld the flavors while still keeping the salad crisp and fresh.
Step 3: Incorporate Fruit and Cheese
Now it’s time for the pops of sweetness and creamy tang. Fold in the halved red grapes, most of the blue cheese crumbles (saving some to top), and most of the thinly sliced Asian pears, reserving a few pretty slices for garnish. This final toss ensures each bite bursts with balanced layers of texture and taste, from juicy and crunchy to creamy and bold.
Step 4: Final Touches
To finish, artfully arrange the reserved blue cheese and pear slices on top of the salad. This doesn’t just add visual appeal but also lets guests enjoy a perfect bite of buttery blue cheese paired with crisp pear from the very first forkful.
How to Serve Asian Pear Salad with Blue Cheese and Mixed Greens Recipe
Garnishes
Enhance this salad’s already stunning presentation by adding a sprinkle of toasted walnuts for an extra crunch or some thinly shaved fennel for a subtle anise flavor that complements the fruit beautifully. Adding fresh herbs such as tarragon or chives can also brighten the overall aroma and flavor.
Side Dishes
This salad pairs wonderfully with light proteins like grilled chicken or seared salmon, making for an elegant and balanced meal. For a vegetarian approach, serve alongside warm quinoa or a hearty lentil stew for satisfying textures and nutrients.
Creative Ways to Present
For a beautiful dinner party, serve the salad in individual bowls, layering the ingredients so guests see the vibrant greens, blue cheese, and pear slices clearly. Alternatively, serve on a rustic wooden platter with pears and cheese arranged alongside, inviting everyone to build their own perfect forkful.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any leftovers from this Asian Pear Salad with Blue Cheese and Mixed Greens Recipe, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two days. To maintain the crispness of the pears and greens, it’s best to keep the dressing separate and toss just before serving.
Freezing
Because the salad features fresh greens, grapes, and cheese, freezing is not recommended as the texture and flavor will suffer significantly. For best results, enjoy this fresh salad shortly after preparation.
Reheating
This salad is best served cold or at room temperature, so reheating isn’t necessary. If paired with a warm protein or side, reheat those separately to maintain the salad’s refreshing qualities.
FAQs
Can I substitute the Asian pears with another fruit?
Absolutely! Crisp apples or firm pears like Bartlett can be great alternatives if you can’t find Asian pears, although they will change the flavor profile slightly. The key is to choose a fruit that is juicy and crisp to maintain that wonderful texture contrast.
Is it possible to make this salad vegan?
Yes! Simply omit the blue cheese or substitute it with a vegan blue cheese alternative or crumbled nuts for a similar texture and tang. The dressing is already plant-based, so it stays just as bright and flavorful.
How should I dress the salad to avoid sogginess?
For the freshest results, dress the salad just before serving. The mixed greens and pears will hold up best with minimal time sitting in the dressing. Alternatively, you can keep the dressing separate and toss when ready to eat.
Can I add nuts or seeds for extra texture?
Yes, nuts like walnuts or pecans add a wonderful crunch that pairs beautifully with blue cheese and pears. Toasting them lightly enhances their natural flavor and brings out a subtle richness that complements the salad perfectly.
What wines pair well with this salad?
A crisp white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or a light Pinot Grigio complements the fruity and tangy notes in this salad beautifully. For a red option, a light-bodied Beaujolais works well without overpowering the delicate flavors.
Final Thoughts
This Asian Pear Salad with Blue Cheese and Mixed Greens Recipe is truly one of those dishes that feels like a little celebration in every bite. It’s simple enough to prepare on a weeknight yet impressive enough to serve to guests craving fresh, sophisticated flavors. Trust me, once you try it, the balance of creamy cheese, sweet fruit, and crisp greens will have you coming back to this recipe often. Give it a go and enjoy the nourishing crunch and vibrant tastes for yourself!
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Asian Pear Salad with Blue Cheese and Mixed Greens Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 10 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Salad
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: Asian Fusion
Description
A refreshing and vibrant Asian Pear Salad featuring a mix of baby arugula, frisée, and radicchio, tossed in a tangy wholegrain mustard vinaigrette, complemented by juicy red grapes, creamy blue cheese, and crisp Asian pears. Perfect for a light, elegant meal or an impressive starter.
Ingredients
Dressing
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
- 1 tablespoon wholegrain mustard
- 1 teaspoon sea salt
- 1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 1 teaspoon granulated sugar
Salad
- 2 cups baby arugula
- 2 cups chopped frisée
- 1/2 head radicchio, thinly sliced
- 1 cup red grapes, halved
- 3 ounces blue cheese
- 3 Asian pears, thinly sliced
Instructions
- Make the Dressing: Whisk together the olive oil, red wine vinegar, wholegrain mustard, sea salt, black pepper, and sugar in a large mixing bowl until fully combined and emulsified.
- Toss the Greens: Add the baby arugula, chopped frisée, and thinly sliced radicchio to the dressing in the mixing bowl. Toss gently to ensure all the greens are evenly coated with the dressing.
- Add Fruit and Cheese: Incorporate the halved red grapes, most of the crumbled blue cheese (set aside a little for garnish), and most of the thinly sliced Asian pears (reserve some slices for topping) into the bowl. Toss gently to combine all ingredients.
- Garnish and Serve: Transfer the salad to serving plates or a large bowl. Top with the remaining blue cheese and reserved pear slices for an appealing presentation and extra flavor.
Notes
- For best results, use ripe but firm Asian pears to maintain crisp texture.
- If you prefer a milder cheese, substitute blue cheese with feta or goat cheese.
- This salad is best served immediately to preserve the freshness of the greens and pears.
- You can add toasted walnuts or pecans for an added crunch and flavor dimension.
