Frisée Pear Blue Cheese Crispy Prosciutto

This Frisée, Pear, Blue Cheese, and Crispy Prosciutto Salad is a masterclass in culinary balance. The bitterness of the frisée lettuce provides the perfect backdrop for juicy, sweet pears and rich, creamy blue cheese, while the baked prosciutto adds a salty, savory crunch that elevates the dish to gourmet levels.

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Tossed in a bright and tangy vinaigrette, this elegant salad works equally well as a sophisticated dinner party starter or a light, refreshing lunch. It is a modern European classic that highlights fresh ingredients and contrasting textures in every bite.

Ingredients

• Salad Base
• 1 large head frisée lettuce, washed and torn
• 2 ripe pears, cored and thinly sliced
• 100 g (3.5 oz) blue cheese, crumbled
• 6 slices prosciutto
• 30 g (1 oz) toasted walnuts or pecans, roughly chopped
• Vinaigrette
• 2 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil
• 1 tbsp white wine vinegar or champagne vinegar
• 1 tsp Dijon mustard
• 1 tsp honey
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

Instructions

1

Preheat your oven to 200°C (400°F). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

2

Arrange the prosciutto slices in a single layer on the baking sheet. Bake for 8–10 minutes, or until crisp. Let cool, then break into large shards.

3

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

4

In a large salad bowl, combine frisée, sliced pears, blue cheese, and toasted walnuts.

5

Drizzle the vinaigrette over the salad and toss gently to coat.

6

Top the salad with crispy prosciutto shards just before serving.

Zusatztipps für die Zubereitung

For an extra layer of flavor, you can use gorgonzola or Roquefort to provide different blue cheese intensities. Ensure your pears are ripe but firm enough to hold their shape when sliced thinly.

Varianten und Anpassungen

If frisée is unavailable, arugula or baby spinach are excellent substitutes that maintain the leafy texture. For a vegetarian version, simply omit the prosciutto and add extra toasted nuts for additional crunch.

Serviervorschläge

Pair this vibrant salad with a light, crisp white wine such as a Sauvignon Blanc to complement the tangy vinaigrette and creamy cheese components.

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With its sophisticated ingredients and straightforward preparation, this salad is a delightful addition to any seasonal menu, offering a fresh take on classic European flavors.

Recipe FAQs

→ Can I substitute the frisée lettuce?

Yes, arugula or baby spinach work well as alternatives. Arugula adds peppery notes, while spinach offers a milder flavor. Both maintain the salad's texture and balance with the other ingredients.

→ What type of blue cheese works best?

Traditional blue cheese, gorgonzola, or Roquefort all complement this salad beautifully. Gorgonzola dolce offers a creamier texture, while Roquefort provides a sharper, more intense flavor profile.

→ How do I make this vegetarian?

Simply omit the prosciutto and increase the toasted nuts to 45-50 grams. The extra nuts provide additional protein and texture while maintaining the salad's crunchy element.

→ Can I prepare components ahead?

The vinaigrette can be made up to 3 days in advance and refrigerated. Prosciutto can be crisped a day ahead and stored in an airtight container. Assemble the salad just before serving to maintain freshness.

→ What wine pairs well with this?

A crisp Sauvignon Blanc, dry Riesling, or Chablis pairs excellently. The acidity and mineral notes cut through the rich blue cheese and complement the pears' sweetness.