Frisée Pear Blue Cheese Bowl

Experience a sophisticated blend of flavors with this Frisée Pear Blue Cheese Bowl. This vibrant salad brings together the slight bitterness of fresh frisée, the natural sweetness of ripe pears, and the creamy tang of crumbled blue cheese. Topped with crispy, salty prosciutto and toasted walnuts, every bite offers a delightful contrast of textures, all brought together by a zesty, homemade honey-mustard vinaigrette.

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This Modern European salad is as beautiful to look at as it is delicious to eat. Whether you are hosting a dinner party or looking for a light yet satisfying lunch, the combination of crisp greens and warm, pan-fried prosciutto creates a gourmet experience with minimal effort.

Ingredients

• Greens & Fruits: 1 large head frisée lettuce (washed and torn), 2 ripe pears (cored and thinly sliced)
• Dairy & Cheese: 100 g blue cheese, crumbled
• Meats: 4 slices prosciutto
• Nuts: 40 g walnuts, toasted and roughly chopped
• Dressing: 3 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil, 1 tbsp white wine vinegar, 1 tsp Dijon mustard, 1 tsp honey, salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste

Instructions

Step 1

Heat a non-stick skillet over medium heat. Add prosciutto slices and cook for 2–3 minutes per side, until crisp. Transfer to a paper towel-lined plate to cool, then break into bite-size pieces.

Step 2

In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, white wine vinegar, Dijon mustard, honey, salt, and pepper to create the vinaigrette.

Step 3

Place frisée in a large salad bowl. Add sliced pears, blue cheese, toasted walnuts, and crispy prosciutto.

Step 4

Drizzle with the vinaigrette and toss gently to combine.

Step 5

Serve immediately, garnished with extra blue cheese or walnuts if desired.

Zusatztipps für die Zubereitung

To ensure the best texture, use a salad spinner to dry the frisée lettuce thoroughly so the dressing clings to the leaves. When toasting your walnuts, watch them closely in the skillet to prevent burning, as they can go from golden to charred very quickly.

Varianten und Anpassungen

Feel free to customize the cheese by substituting Gorgonzola or Roquefort for a different blue cheese profile. For those following a vegetarian diet, simply omit the prosciutto or replace it with seasoned roasted chickpeas for a similar protein boost and crunch.

Serviervorschläge

This salad pairs beautifully with a chilled glass of Sauvignon Blanc or a dry Riesling to complement the acidity of the dressing and the sweetness of the pears. Serve it as a stand-alone light meal or as an elegant starter for a multi-course dinner.

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With only 285 calories per serving and a healthy dose of protein and fats, the Frisée Pear Blue Cheese Bowl is a guilt-free way to enjoy a gourmet-style meal at home. Enjoy the harmony of flavors in this easy-to-make Modern European classic.

Recipe Questions & Answers

→ Can I make this bowl ahead of time?

The dressing can be prepared up to 3 days in advance and stored refrigerated. However, assemble the bowl just before serving to maintain the crisp texture of the frisée and prosciutto. Pears may oxidize, so toss them with a little lemon juice if prepping ahead.

→ What blue cheese works best in this bowl?

Roquefort offers the strongest flavor, Gorgonzola dolce provides creaminess with milder tang, and Stilton falls somewhere in between. Choose based on your preference for intensity. The cheese should be cold when crumbling for best texture.

→ How do I keep the prosciutto perfectly crispy?

Cook over medium heat until the fat renders and the edges turn golden, about 2-3 minutes per side. Drain immediately on paper towels and let cool completely before breaking into pieces. Avoid overcrowding the pan for even crisping.

→ Can I substitute the frisée?

Arugula adds peppery notes, baby spinach offers milder flavor, or mixed greens provide variety. The bitter edge of frisée balances the sweet pears best, but any sturdy green works well with the vinaigrette.

→ What type of pears should I use?

Bosc and Anjou pears hold their shape well when sliced and offer firm texture. Bartlett provides more sweetness. Choose pears that are ripe but still slightly firm to prevent mushiness in the bowl.

→ Is there a vegetarian protein option?

Roasted chickpeas, crispy pancetta alternative made from mushrooms, or toasted pumpkin seeds work beautifully. Marinated and baked tofu cubes also provide protein while maintaining the desired texture contrast.