Delight your taste buds: Gorgonzola Pear Salad Recipe
Welcome my wine-loving friends! Today, I have a recipe that perfectly showcases the incredible depth and complexity of a beloved wine adventurer’s favorite variety—Merlot. This gorgonzola pear salad with merlot shallot dressing is an amazing match for any type of Merlot ranging from fruit forward to more tannic and structured ones.
I can already picture the perfect moment for enjoying this mouthwatering dish. Imagine sitting outside on a sunny afternoon with your loved ones, cracking open a bottle of merlot, as the aromas of juicy pears and smoky bacon waft tantalizingly through the air. The coolness of the greens and crispness of the walnuts is a perfect balance against the warm and flavorful gorgonzola cheese. Trust me, it’s all sublime and in harmony in one bite!
You may be thinking that making this recipe could be difficult, but let me reassure you that it’s actually quite easy, especially with my help. And for those who prefer variety, don’t worry—it comes with plenty of substitutions and variations as well. So let’s get started with this gorgonzola pear salad with merlot shallot dressing recipe together, as we embark on a delicious journey full of flavors, textures and amazing wine pairings!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Are you looking for a salad that can balance sweet and savory flavors in perfect harmony? Look no further than this Gorgonzola Pear Salad with Merlot Shallot Dressing Recipe! This recipe is an ideal choice for anyone who loves to explore new taste sensations and enjoys being adventurous in the kitchen.
What makes this salad so special is its amazing combination of flavors and textures. The sweetness of fresh, ripe pears provides the perfect counterbalance to the salty flavor of smoked bacon, while buttery walnuts add just the right amount of crunch. Meanwhile, sharp gorgonzola cheese brings a tanginess to the dish that will have your taste buds dancing with joy.
But it’s not just about the ingredients – this salad dressing recipe is equally impressive. The merlot shallot dressing is a unique blend of flavors that complements the other ingredients perfectly. Dijon mustard adds a touch of acidity, while brown sugar and garlic bring depth and complexity to the dressing. And of course, let’s not forget about our star ingredient – the red wine vinegar and red wine that both tie it all together with their rich flavors.
Whether you’re looking for something quick and easy to make for lunch or a satisfying dinner salad that won’t leave you feeling weighed down, this Gorgonzola Pear Salad with Merlot Shallot Dressing Recipe has got you covered. Once you try it, you’ll wonder how you ever lived without it!
Ingredient List
Here is the ingredient list for this amazing Gorgonzola Pear Salad with Merlot Shallot Dressing:
For the Salad:
- 1 head of spinach or butter lettuce salad
- 6 slices cooked bacon, crumbled
- 1/2 cup chopped walnuts
- 4 ounces gorgonzola cheese, crumbled
- 2 ripe pears, sliced (poached or roasted)
- 1 cup Cherry tomatoes
For the Merlot Shallot Dressing:
- 1 garlic clove, minced
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons dijon mustard
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 1/4 cup red wine vinegar
- 1/4 cup merlot wine
- 1 shallot, finely chopped
- 3/4 cup olive oil
Note: You can easily substitute different types of greens – arugula or spinach work great! And if you’re not a fan of gorgonzola, feel free to try blue cheese instead.
The Recipe How-To
Step 1: Cook the bacon
In a large skillet, cook smoked bacon over medium heat until crispy. Set aside on a paper towel-lined plate.
Step 2: Toast the Walnuts
Place walnuts in the same skillet used to cook the bacon and toast them for 2 minutes or until golden brown. Set aside.
Step 3: Poach the Pear
Peel and slice one pear in half. Remove the core with a melon baller. Bring a pot of water to boil over high heat, add in 1 tablespoon of brown sugar, a pinch of salt and lemon juice. Place the pears in the boiling water and simmer for 12-15 minutes or until they are tender but not mushy. Use a slotted spoon to remove pears from water and set them aside on a plate.
Step 4: Make the Merlot Shallot Dressing
In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, merlot shallot dressing, Dijon mustard, garlic clove, red wine vinegar and brown sugar until well combined.
Step 5: Assemble Gorgonzola Pear Salad
In a large bowl, add 8 cups of butter lettuce salad, 1 cup of crumbled gorgonzola cheese, poached pear slices, toasted walnuts, crumbled bacon and dressing. Toss everything together until it is evenly coated.
Step 6: Serve
Serve this delicious salad immediately and enjoy!
This easy-to-make recipe will astonish your taste buds with each bite. The combination of sweet and savory flavors in every forkful will make each bite an unforgettable experience.
Substitutions and Variations
Now, let’s talk about how we can switch things up with this gorgonzola pear salad with merlot shallot dressing recipe. Let me give you a few ideas for substitutions and variations to try out:
– Swap out the smoked bacon for turkey bacon or tempeh bacon if you prefer a vegetarian option.
– If you don’t have walnuts on hand, pecans or almonds would work just as well in this salad.
– For the cheese, feel free to use blue cheese instead of gorgonzola if that’s what you have available. Both lend a tangy flavor that works perfectly with the sweetness of the pears.
– If you don’t have Dijon mustard, regular yellow mustard will work in a pinch.
– You can easily make the dressing vegan by using maple syrup instead of honey and swapping out the cheese for a vegan alternative.
– If merlot is not your jam, switch it up! Try using a light red wine like Beaujolais or Pinot Noir instead.
Feel free to experiment with different ingredients and flavors as per your preference. Just keep in mind that some substitutions may affect the overall taste and textures, better stick with the similar ingredients. But hey, cooking is all about trying new things and making them work for you —who knows? You might stumble upon something ‘Wow’.
Serving and Pairing
Are you hungry yet? Well, it’s time to dig in and taste the heavenly combination of the Gorgonzola Pear Salad with Merlot Shallot Dressing. This salad is a perfect starter course or even a light dinner, and it pairs beautifully with many different types of wine.
The sweetness of the pears, the earthy aroma of the walnuts, and the tanginess of the gorgonzola cheese create a flavor explosion in your mouth. They blend perfectly with the smoky delightful bacon flavors that melt into each other in this incredible salad recipe.
If you’re looking for a wine to pair with this salad, go for something that complements its sweetness, such as a red wine like pinot noir or merlot. A full-bodied Chardonnay or Riesling is also an excellent choice to bring out the sweet notes of the pears and balance out the saltiness of the bacon.
Alternatively, if you want to stick to something fruity, try a Rosé which will add freshness and offer another dimension to your salad. The crisp acidity and slightly sweet fruitiness that come with this type bring harmony to any dish they’re paired with, making it ideal for leafy salads.
Whatever drink you choose ultimately depends on personal preferences. Just know that this delicious Gorgonzola Pear Salad demands just as good company in terms of wine pairing.
Make-Ahead, Storing and Reheating
This Gorgonzola Pear Salad with Merlot Shallot Dressing is the perfect dish to make ahead of time for a quick and easy meal. If you’re someone who likes to prep their meals in advance, this salad is the perfect dish to add to your rotation.
To make the salad ahead of time, simply prepare all of the ingredients up until tossing them together. Store the dressing in a separate container, but keep it at room temperature so it doesn’t thicken up.
As for storing the salad, it’s best not to mix it all together until you’re ready to eat. To store it, place the salad in an airtight container and store it in the fridge for up to 3 days. When you’re ready to enjoy it, simply mix in the dressing and give it a good toss.
If you have any leftover salad, you can store it in an airtight container in the fridge and enjoy it as a light lunch or snack. The flavors will continue to develop over time, making each bite better than the last.
Reheating this salad is not recommended as it will wilt the delicate greens and affect their texture. However, because of its easy preparation, it is best served fresh from your kitchen with some hot and crusty bread or with a steaming cup of soup on a chilly winter day.
Tips for Perfect Results
Brace yourselves, folks! I have got some tips for you that would make your gorgonzola pear salad with merlot shallot dressing recipe go from “good” to “excellent”! Keep reading to find out what they are.
Firstly, one tip that I always recommend is to toss the salad just before serving. You want the greens to be crisp and fresh, not soggy and wilted. Dress your salad lightly and only right before you eat it.
Another tip to take note of is roasting the pears. Roasting them intensifies their sweetness and adds a layer of flavor that pairs perfectly with the creamy gorgonzola and tangy merlot dressing. The key is to roast them until they turn golden brown, which should be around 15 minutes.
Now, let’s talk about the dressing. Making this merlot shallot dressing couldn’t be easier – all you need is a blender or food processor. However, you must let it sit for at least 2 hours in the fridge so that the flavors can meld together beautifully.
Substituting or adding ingredients may be tempting; however, do it wisely since not every ingredient would align perfectly with each other. And one thing that never goes amiss with a gorgonzola pear salad? Some crispy applewood smoked bacon or toasted walnuts for extra crunch!
Lastly, presentation can take a great salad to another level. Instead of mixing everything together, consider plating it in layers like a professional chef. Trust me; it guarantees a beautiful and stunning final product.
I hope these tips could help you create an exceptional gorgonzola pear salad with merlot shallot dressing recipe that would have everyone awestruck!
Bottom Line
If you’re looking for an easy and scrumptious salad recipe, then this Gorgonzola Pear Salad with Merlot Shallot Dressing is just the one for you. With its combination of smoked bacon, walnuts, pears, and Gorgonzola cheese, this salad is a party in your mouth.
But it’s not just the ingredients that make this recipe special – it’s the tantalizing Merlot Shallot Dressing that brings all the flavors together. With a blend of brown sugar, Dijon mustard, garlic, and red wine vinegar, this dressing is worthy of its own culinary award.
Although this recipe has several variations and substitutions that you can experiment with, I highly recommend serving it alongside a glass of rich and full-bodied red wine. The merlot shallot dressing perfectly complements the intense flavors of dry reds like Cabernet Sauvignon or Merlot.
From roasted pears to poached pears and pear slices – this dish is perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re hosting a dinner party or simply want to enjoy a meal with your family, this salad will become a favorite.
So what are you waiting for? Try out this Gorgonzola Pear Salad with Merlot Shallot Dressing today and experience the joy of classic flavors in every bite.
Gorgonzola Pear Salad With Merlot Shallot Dressing Recipe
Ingredients
MERLOT SHALLOT DRESSING
- 1 large shallot, finely minced
- 2 cups light red wine
- 1/4 cup red wine vinegar
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- 1 garlic clove, minced
- 2 teaspoons Dijon mustard
- 3/4 cup olive oil
- salt and pepper, to taste
SALAD
- 5 ounces mixed baby greens
- 1/2 cup gorgonzola, crumbled
- 1/2 cup walnuts, toasted and chopped
- 3 slices smoked bacon, cooked and crumbled (omit for vegetarian version)
- 1 pear, cored, and chopped (can peel if desired)
Instructions
- Combine shallots and wine in a medium sauce pan over high heat. Bring liquid to a boil. Reduce heat to medium and simmer until reduced to 1/4 cup, about 20 to 30 minutes.
- Let mixture cool completely. Add vinegar, sugar, garlic and mustard. Slowly whisk in olive oil. Season with salt and pepper. Refrigerate dressing until ready to serve.
- In a large bowl, mix baby lettuce, cheese, walnuts and bacon. Add pears and toss with Merlot Shallot Dressing just before serving.
Add Your Own Notes
Nutrition
Recommended Recipes Just For You
None found