Imagine a salad that transforms ordinary ingredients into a culinary masterpiece that's both elegant and incredibly simple to prepare. The Easy Spinach Pear Gorgonzola Salad is not just a dish – it's a symphony of flavors that will elevate your dining experience from mundane to magnificent. With just 10 minutes of prep time, you'll create a restaurant-quality salad that looks like you've spent hours in the kitchen, impressing your guests and satisfying your gourmet cravings.
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: -
Total Time: 10 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 4 cups fresh spinach
- 1 ripe pear, sliced
- 1/2 cup Gorgonzola cheese, crumbled
- 1/4 cup walnuts, chopped
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon red wine vinegar
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Wash the fresh spinach leaves thoroughly under cold running water and pat dry using a clean kitchen towel or salad spinner to remove excess moisture.
- Core the ripe pear and slice it thinly into elegant half-moon or wedge shapes, ensuring uniform thickness for even distribution.
- In a large salad bowl, gently spread the clean spinach leaves as a base, creating an even layer.
- Arrange the sliced pear pieces artfully across the spinach leaves, distributing them evenly.
- Sprinkle the crumbled Gorgonzola cheese over the pear and spinach, allowing small chunks to create visual and flavor interest.
- Toast the chopped walnuts in a dry skillet over medium heat for 2-3 minutes until fragrant and lightly golden, being careful not to burn them.
- Scatter the toasted walnuts over the salad for added crunch and nutty flavor.
- In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, red wine vinegar, salt, and freshly ground black pepper to create a simple vinaigrette.
- Drizzle the vinaigrette over the salad just before serving, ensuring light and even coverage.
- Toss the salad gently to combine ingredients and coat with dressing, being careful not to bruise the delicate spinach leaves.
Tips
- Choose a ripe but firm pear to ensure the best texture and flavor balance in your salad.
- For maximum flavor, toast the walnuts just before adding them to the salad – the warmth will release their nutty aroma.
- Use freshly ground black pepper and high-quality extra virgin olive oil to enhance the dressing's complexity.
- Serve the salad immediately after dressing to prevent the spinach leaves from wilting.
- For a variation, try adding some crispy prosciutto or bacon bits for an extra layer of flavor and texture.
- If you're preparing in advance, keep the dressing separate and add just before serving to maintain the salad's crispness.
- For a more intense flavor, let the Gorgonzola come to room temperature before crumbling over the salad.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 220kcal
Carbohydrates: 12g
Protein: 8g
Fat: 18g
Saturated Fat: 6g
Cholesterol: 20mg
