As I sifted through my summer recipe collection, I couldn’t help but smile at the vibrant colors and tantalizing combinations waiting to be rediscovered. One dish that always stands out is the Barefoot Contessa Pear and Blue Cheese Salad. This refreshing summer salad features sweet, juicy pears harmonizing with rich blue cheese, all brought together with a zesty lemon-honey vinaigrette. Not only is it a quick and easy recipe, perfect for any busy weeknight or impromptu gathering, but it also elegantly balances flavors and textures that will impress your family and friends. Whether served as a light lunch or a sophisticated starter, it’s a delightful way to embrace the season’s bounty. Ready to take your taste buds on a refreshing adventure? Let’s dive into this delicious salad together!
Why is this salad a must-try?
Quick to Prepare: Whip up this delightful Barefoot Contessa Pear and Blue Cheese Salad in under 15 minutes—perfect for your busy days!
Flavor Explosion: The sweet, juicy pears and tangy blue cheese sing in harmony, while the lemon-honey vinaigrette adds just the right amount of zest.
Unique Versatility: Whether you opt for goat cheese or omit the cranberries, this recipe easily adapts to your taste and dietary needs.
Beautiful Presentation: With vibrant colors and textures, it’s an eye-catching dish that’s sure to impress your guests at summer gatherings.
For more delicious ideas, check out our Lemon Cheesecake Truffles or elevate your dining experience with Raspberry Pistachio Cheesecake.
Barefoot Contessa Pear and Blue Cheese Salad Ingredients
For the Salad
- Mixed Greens – Adds freshness and volume. Substitution: Arugula, spinach, or mesclun mix can be used.
- Ripe Pears – Provide sweetness and juiciness. Tip: Use firm but ripe pears to avoid mushiness; Bosc and Anjou varieties are recommended.
- Crumbled Blue Cheese – Adds creaminess and a rich, tangy flavor. Substitution: Goat cheese can be used for a milder taste.
- Toasted Walnuts/Pecans – Introduces crunch and depth. Tip: Toasting nuts enhances flavor; sunflower seeds can act as a nut-free alternative.
- Dried Cranberries (optional) – Offers a sweet pop for contrast. Tip: Can be omitted for a less sweet flavor.
For the Vinaigrette
- Fresh Lemon Juice – Brightens the salad and balances flavors. Note: Freshly squeezed juice is preferred for optimal taste.
- Olive Oil – Acts as the base for the vinaigrette. Substitution: Can use avocado oil for a different flavor profile.
- Dijon Mustard – Adds tanginess and helps emulsify the dressing. Note: Other mustards may work but will alter flavor.
- Honey – Provides sweetness to balance the acidity. Substitution: Maple syrup can be used for a vegan version.
- Salt and Black Pepper – Enhances flavor; adjust to taste.
Step‑by‑Step Instructions for Barefoot Contessa Pear and Blue Cheese Salad
Step 1: Whisk the Vinaigrette
In a small mixing bowl, combine fresh lemon juice, Dijon mustard, honey, salt, and black pepper. Whisk these ingredients together until they form a cohesive mixture. This should take about 1-2 minutes, and you want the honey to be fully dissolved in the acidic dressing. The vibrant color will signal that you’re ready to move on to the next step.
Step 2: Emulsify the Dressing
While continuously whisking the vinaigrette, slowly drizzle in the olive oil. This gradual addition helps to emulsify the dressing, creating a smooth and creamy consistency. Continue whisking for about 2-3 minutes until the dressing thickens slightly. Set this flavorful dressing aside, allowing it to meld together while you prepare the salad components.
Step 3: Prepare the Mixed Greens
Take your serving platter or a large salad bowl and place a generous layer of mixed greens at the bottom. Aim for about 4-5 cups of greens to create a hearty base. They should be freshly washed and dried for the best color and flavor. The vibrant greens will provide a beautiful contrast to the other colorful ingredients.
Step 4: Slice the Pears
Carefully slice the ripe pears into thin wedges, aiming for about ¼-inch thickness for easy layering. Arrange these succulent slices gracefully over the mixed greens, ensuring they are evenly distributed. Their sweet aroma and golden hue will add a delightful visual appeal to your Barefoot Contessa Pear and Blue Cheese Salad.
Step 5: Add the Cheese and Nuts
Sprinkle generous crumbles of blue cheese over the salad, followed by a handful of toasted walnuts or pecans for that essential crunch. The creamy blue cheese will contrast beautifully with the crunchy nuts, creating a wonderful texture. If using, add dried cranberries for a pop of sweetness and a vibrant burst of color.
Step 6: Drizzle the Vinaigrette
Before serving, gently drizzle the prepared vinaigrette over the salad components. It’s important to do this evenly to ensure each bite is flavorful. The dressing will enhance the natural sweetness of the pears and the tang of the blue cheese beautifully, making the salad irresistibly delicious.
Step 7: Toss and Serve
Just before serving, gently toss the salad to combine all the delightful ingredients. This ensures the flavors meld together without bruising the delicate greens. If desired, garnish with additional crumbled blue cheese or pear slices for an elegant touch. Your Barefoot Contessa Pear and Blue Cheese Salad is now ready to impress!
How to Store and Freeze Barefoot Contessa Pear and Blue Cheese Salad
Fridge: Store the undressed salad in an airtight container for up to 2 days to maintain freshness; adding the vinaigrette too early may cause the greens to wilt.
Vinaigrette: Keep any leftover vinaigrette in a separate airtight container in the fridge for about a week—perfect for drizzling over future salads.
Freezer: Freezing the salad is not recommended, as the textures of the pears and greens cannot withstand the freezing process.
Reheating: This salad is best served cold; simply toss the salad components together again if they settle in the fridge. Enjoy your Barefoot Contessa Pear and Blue Cheese Salad fresh!
Make Ahead Options
These Barefoot Contessa Pear and Blue Cheese Salad components are perfect for meal prep enthusiasts! You can slice the pears and keep them fresh by soaking them in a mixture of lemon juice and water to prevent browning for up to 24 hours. Additionally, prepare the vinaigrette and store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a week. The mixed greens and toasted nuts can also be prepped ahead, lasting about 3 days in the refrigerator if kept separate. When ready to serve, simply combine all the ingredients, drizzle the vinaigrette, and toss gently for a refreshing and elegant salad that’s just as delicious as when freshly made!
Expert Tips for Barefoot Contessa Pear and Blue Cheese Salad
Choose Ripe Pears: Ensure your pears are both ripe and firm to avoid mushiness in the salad, providing the perfect sweetness without compromising texture.
Toast Your Nuts: Toasting walnuts or pecans brings out their natural flavor; simply warm them in a dry skillet for 5 minutes until they’re fragrant.
Vinaigrette Emulsification: Gradually adding olive oil while whisking ensures your dressing emulsifies beautifully, creating a smooth balance of flavors in your salad.
Fresh Ingredients Matter: Using freshly squeezed lemon juice enhances the brightness of the vinaigrette, making your Barefoot Contessa Pear and Blue Cheese Salad exceptionally refreshing.
Dressing Timing: Dress your salad just before serving to keep the greens crisp and prevent sogginess, ensuring a delightful crunch in every bite.
What to Serve with Barefoot Contessa Pear and Blue Cheese Salad
This vibrant salad pairs beautifully with various dishes that will complement and enhance your meal experience.
Grilled Chicken: Juicy, seasoned chicken adds a hearty protein element, providing a satisfying contrast to the salad’s refreshing flavors.
Crusty Baguette: A warm, crusty baguette is perfect for soaking up the zesty vinaigrette, making each bite even more delightful.
Roasted Vegetables: Seasoned roasted veggies balance the salad’s sweetness, adding depth and earthy flavors to your overall meal.
Herbed Quinoa: Fluffy quinoa sprinkled with fresh herbs offers a nutty texture that harmonizes wonderfully with the pears and cheese.
Chilled White Wine: A crisp Sauvignon Blanc enhances the salad’s zesty notes while underlining the dish’s fresh ingredients in every sip.
Chocolate Mousse: For dessert, a rich chocolate mousse is a decadent finish, contrasting with the freshness of the pear salad and delighting the palate.
Barefoot Contessa Pear and Blue Cheese Salad Variations
Feel free to get creative with this delightful pear and blue cheese salad – the possibilities are endless!
Cheese Swap: Use goat cheese instead of blue cheese for a milder, creamy taste that pairs wonderfully with pears.
Nut-Free Option: Substitute sunflower seeds for walnuts or pecans to create a scrumptious nut-free version without losing texture.
Seasonal Herbs: Add fresh basil or mint to elevate the flavor profile, making the salad even more refreshing for summer.
Asian Twist: Drizzle with toasted sesame oil instead of olive oil, bringing a unique flair reminiscent of Asian cuisine.
Extra crunch: Toss in crispy bacon bits for a savory crunch that beautifully complements the salad’s sweetness and creaminess.
Fruity Burst: Incorporate sliced strawberries or apples alongside the pears for an added layer of fruity goodness.
Grainy Bonus: Mix in farro or quinoa to transform this salad into a heartier main dish, perfect for a light lunch.
Heat Element: Sprinkle red pepper flakes to add a hint of warmth, balancing the sweetness from the pears and vinaigrette beautifully.
For more delightful combinations, try out the Blue Cheese Walnut or rediscover the joy of Apples Blue Cheese!
Barefoot Contessa Pear and Blue Cheese Salad Recipe FAQs
How do I choose ripe pears for the salad?
Absolutely! When selecting pears, look for ones that are firm yet slightly tender to the touch, indicating ripeness. Bosc and Anjou pears are fantastic options for this salad as they offer sweetness without becoming mushy. Avoid any with dark spots all over, which may indicate overripeness.
How should I store the salad?
To keep your salad fresh, store the undressed ingredients in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. This method preserves the crispness of the greens and the texture of the pears. It’s best to combine the vinaigrette just before serving to ensure everything stays vibrant and crunchy.
Can I freeze the Barefoot Contessa Pear and Blue Cheese Salad?
While it might be tempting, freezing this salad isn’t recommended. The delicate textures of the fresh greens and juicy pears can become soggy when thawed. Instead, enjoy this salad fresh and vibrantly crisp!
What should I do if my vinaigrette isn’t emulsifying?
If you find your vinaigrette isn’t coming together, don’t fret! Start by ensuring you whisk vigorously while drizzling in the olive oil slowly. If it’s still separating, add a teaspoon of cold water or a dash more mustard, and whip it again. This can help the mixture bind together beautifully.
Are there any dietary considerations I should keep in mind?
Very! For those with nut allergies, consider replacing walnuts or pecans with sunflower seeds to maintain that appealing crunch without the risk. If you’re looking to make this salad vegan, simply swap the honey for maple syrup, and opt for goat cheese or eliminate cheese entirely for a refreshing, light option.
Barefoot Contessa Pear and Blue Cheese Salad: Summer Bliss in a Bowl
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- In a small mixing bowl, combine fresh lemon juice, Dijon mustard, honey, salt, and black pepper. Whisk until cohesive.
- Slowly drizzle in the olive oil while whisking continuously to emulsify the dressing. Whisk until thickened.
- Place a generous layer of mixed greens in a salad bowl.
- Slice the ripe pears into thin wedges and arrange over the mixed greens.
- Sprinkle blue cheese and toasted walnuts or pecans over the salad. Add dried cranberries if desired.
- Drizzle the vinaigrette evenly over the salad before serving.
- Gently toss the salad to combine all ingredients just before serving.