Take a delightful culinary trip to the heart of Spain with this Roasted Pear And Manchego Salad Recipe. This gourmet yet easy-to-make salad, fit for a king, is a feast for the taste buds, combining the unique zest of Manchego cheese with beautifully caramelized roasted pears. Perfect for when you want to impress at a dinner party, or you’re seeking a more sophisticated midday meal. This delicacy is a sure crowd-pleaser that your guests will rave about, long after they have left the table. But the best part? It’s so good, it feels like you’re committing a sin with every bite, but it’s as light as a feather.
Roasting pears brings out their juicy, natural sweetness. Paired with the nutty flavor of the Manchego cheese, they create a symphony of flavors that will make your palate sing. Pair it with a crisp, dry white wine, and you’ll get a smooth harmony of flavors that your taste buds will go absolutely bonkers for.
Prep time: 15 minutes
Cook time: 30 minutes
Total time: 45 minutes
Servings: 4
Yield: 4 servings of salad
Ready to take your salad game to a whole new level? Let’s dive right in!
Ingredients & Equipment You’ll Need
- 4 ripe pears
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon honey
- Juice of half a lemon
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 2 cups arugula
- 1 cup Manchego cheese, shaved
- 1 cup walnuts, chopped and toasted
- 1/4 cup balsamic dressing
You’ll also need a good quality knife for slicing the pears and shaving the cheese, and a large baking sheet for roasting
Note on the Manchego cheese: It’s a Spanish sheep milk cheese that has a distinct, strong flavor which compliments fruity sweet flavors well. You can substitute it with Feta or Gouda if required.
How To Make Roasted Pear And Manchego Salad
- Preheat your oven to 375��F. While it’s heating, slice your pears in half and remove the core. Drizzle them with olive oil, honey, lemon juice, salt, and pepper.
- Place the prepared pears on a baking sheet and roast for about 30 minutes until tender and slightly caramelized.
- Meanwhile, toast your walnuts until golden brown. This will add an extra layer of flavor and a nice crunch to your salad.
- Arrange the arugula on four serving plates. Once your pears are ready and slightly cooled, slice them into thin wedges.
- Top the arugula with the pear slices, sprinkle over with the toasted walnuts, and shaving of Manchego Cheese.
- Drizzle each salad with the balsamic dressing and serve immediately. Enjoy!
Tips For The Best Results
- Make sure to use ripe, but not overripe pears for the best flavor.
- You could also grill the pears instead of roasting them for a slight charred flavor.
Storage Tips
- It’s best to consume the salad fresh. However, if needed, store the undressed salad and dressing separately in the refrigerator.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I use another type of cheese?
A: Yes, Feta or Gouda make a good substitute for Manchego
Q: Do I have to roast the pears?
A: Roasting the pears brings out their natural sweetness but you can grill them too.
Q: Can I make this salad a day ahead?
A: It’s best to assemble right before serving. But you can roast the pears and prepare the other ingredients a day ahead.
Q: What can I use instead of walnuts?
A: Pecans or almonds can also work well in this salad.
Q: How to store leftovers?
A: Store the undressed salad and dressing separately in the refrigerator, and enjoy within 2 days.
Nutritional Facts of Roasted Pear And Manchego Salad
This dish is high in fiber, thanks to the pears and arugula. One serving also provides a good amount of protein from the Manchego cheese and a decent amount of healthy fats from the walnuts.
In conclusion, this Roasted Pear And Manchego Salad isn’t just your regular salad. It’s a glowing, star-studded meal ready to impress at any event – from a humble family dinner to a more formal soiree. Paired with a glass of white wine, you’ve got yourself a match made in heaven.
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