Introduction
Fig, Pear, & Blue Cheese Salad is a perfect balance of sweet, savory, and tangy flavors, making it a sophisticated dish that is both light and satisfying. The combination of fresh figs, juicy pears, creamy blue cheese, and the crunch of candied walnuts and toasted hazelnuts creates a delightful contrast in textures. Drizzled with olive oil and fig balsamic vinegar, this salad is ideal for a special occasion or as a vibrant side dish.
The peppery arugula and delicate butter lettuce form the base, while the blue cheese adds a rich creaminess that ties everything together. Whether you’re serving this salad as an appetizer, alongside your favorite main course, or even as a light meal on its own, it’s sure to impress with its fresh, vibrant ingredients.
Ingredients:
- 5 ounces arugula
- 5 ounces butter lettuce
- 6 ounces fresh figs, halved
- 2 pears, sliced
- 1/2 cup crumbled blue cheese
- 1/3 cup candied walnuts
- 1/3 cup toasted hazelnuts
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 1/4 cup fig balsamic vinegar
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Directions:
Step 1: Prepare the Greens
- In a large salad bowl, combine the 5 ounces of arugula and 5 ounces of butter lettuce. The combination of arugula’s peppery bite and butter lettuce’s delicate, tender leaves makes for a refreshing and well-balanced salad base.
Step 2: Add the Fruit
- Halve the 6 ounces of fresh figs and slice the 2 pears into thin wedges. Arrange the figs and pear slices on top of the greens.
- The sweetness of the figs and pears provides a lovely contrast to the savory elements in the salad, while their textures add an extra layer of interest.
Step 3: Add Cheese and Nuts
- Sprinkle the 1/2 cup of crumbled blue cheese over the salad. The rich and creamy blue cheese adds a sharp, tangy note that pairs wonderfully with the sweetness of the fruit.
- Add the 1/3 cup of candied walnuts and 1/3 cup of toasted hazelnuts for crunch. The nuts bring both sweetness and a satisfying texture to the salad.
Step 4: Dress the Salad
- In a small bowl or directly over the salad, drizzle 1/4 cup of olive oil and 1/4 cup of fig balsamic vinegar over the salad.
- The fig balsamic vinegar adds a sweet and tangy depth that enhances the flavors of the fresh fruit and blue cheese.
Step 5: Season
- Season the salad with a pinch of salt and pepper to taste. Be careful not to oversalt, as the blue cheese already provides a salty element.
Step 6: Toss and Serve
- Gently toss the salad to combine all the ingredients, ensuring the dressing coats everything evenly. Serve the salad immediately, garnished with extra fresh figs or blue cheese crumbles if desired.
Cooking Notes:
- Candied Walnuts and Hazelnuts: If you can’t find candied walnuts or toasted hazelnuts at the store, you can make your own by toasting the nuts in a dry skillet until golden and fragrant. For the candied walnuts, toss them with a bit of sugar and a touch of butter in the skillet until caramelized.
- Fig Balsamic Vinegar Substitute: If you don’t have fig balsamic vinegar, regular balsamic vinegar or a mixture of balsamic vinegar and a small amount of honey or fig preserves will work well.
Serving Suggestions:
- As an Appetizer: This salad makes an elegant starter for dinner parties, setting the tone for a refined meal.
- Pair with a Main Course: Serve alongside grilled chicken, roasted lamb, or a hearty pasta dish for a well-balanced meal.
- For a Light Meal: Enjoy this salad as a light lunch with some crusty bread or as part of a larger spread with cheese and charcuterie.
Tips:
- Make Ahead: To save time, you can prepare the salad ingredients ahead of time by washing and drying the greens, slicing the pears, and halving the figs. Store everything separately in the fridge until ready to serve.
- Nutritional Boost: For added protein, feel free to add grilled chicken, turkey, or even a handful of quinoa to the salad.
- Dressing Options: You can also experiment with different vinaigrettes, such as a honey mustard or citrus vinaigrette, to complement the flavors of the fruit and cheese.
Prep Time:
- 10-15 minutes
Total Time:
- 10-15 minutes
Nutritional Information (Per Serving):
- Calories: 280 kcal
- Protein: 6g
- Sodium: 340mg
Conclusion
Fig, Pear, & Blue Cheese Salad is a stunning blend of flavors and textures that creates an unforgettable eating experience. The natural sweetness of the figs and pears harmonizes with the bold, creamy blue cheese, while the crunch of candied walnuts and toasted hazelnuts provides the perfect contrast. The peppery arugula and delicate butter lettuce form a balanced base for these flavors, and the fig balsamic dressing ties it all together with a sweet-tangy finish.
This salad is versatile enough to be served as a light meal, an appetizer, or a side dish, making it a great addition to any meal. Whether you’re serving it for a special occasion or a casual dinner, it’s sure to impress with its fresh ingredients and sophisticated flavors!