Pear, hazelnuts and blue cheese are a classic combination, but this salad gets a bright and unexpected hit of flavor from the vinaigrette. Adding lime juice to the balsamic and a touch of maple syrup enhances the ingredients to something new and bold, and entirely delicious.
Pear, Hazelnut & Blue Cheese Salad with Maple Balsamic Vinaigrette
Pear, hazelnuts and blue cheese are a classic combination, but this salad gets a bright and unexpected hit of flavor from the vinaigrette. Adding lime juice to the balsamic and a touch of maple syrup enhances the ingredients to something new and bold, and entirely delicious.
Ingredients
For the salad:
- 5 ounces mixed green lettuces
- 1 medium bosc pear
- ¼ cup hazelnuts, toasted and cooled, very coarsely chopped
- ½ cup 2 ounces dry blue cheese, such as Stilton, crumbled
For the vinaigrette:
- 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
- 1 tablespoon lime juice
- ½ teaspoon of the lime zest
- 1 tablespoon finely chopped shallot
- 1 teaspoon maple syrup
- 1 teaspoon fresh rosemary leaves, chopped
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
Instructions
- Place the lettuce, hazelnuts and blue cheese in a serving bowl. Cut the pear into thin wedges just before you are ready to serve the salad and add it to the bowl.
- Combine all of the ingredients for the vinaigrette in a bowl or jar with a lid. Stir well to combine, or shake up the jar. Toss the vinaigrette with the salad just before serving.
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