If you’re looking for a salad that perfectly balances crispness, creaminess, and a hint of sweet sophistication, then you absolutely must try this Frisée Pear Blue Cheese Prosciutto Salad Recipe. It’s a dazzling medley of textures and flavors — from the peppery frisée leaves and juicy pear slices to the tangy punch of blue cheese and the salty crunch of crisp prosciutto. Every bite delivers an elegant harmony that feels both fresh and indulgent, making it a standout dish for any occasion.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Frisée Pear Blue Cheese Prosciutto Salad Recipe comes together beautifully with simple, fresh ingredients that each play a crucial role: the crisp greens, the sweet pears, and the rich cheese create a perfect trifecta, while the prosciutto and nuts add irresistible texture and depth.
- Frisée lettuce: The peppery, curly leaves bring lightness and a slightly bitter edge to contrast the richness.
- Pears: Ripe and sliced thin, they add juicy sweetness and a refreshing burst that complements the cheese perfectly.
- Blue cheese: Crumbled for a tangy, creamy character that’s the star flavor of the salad.
- Prosciutto slices: Crisped in the oven to provide salty crunch and a savory depth.
- Toasted walnuts or pecans: Roughly chopped, they contribute a nutty crunch enhancing the texture profile.
- Extra-virgin olive oil: Fresh and fruity, it’s the base of the vinaigrette dressing.
- White wine or champagne vinegar: Adds bright acidity to balance the richness of the cheese and nuts.
- Dijon mustard: Gives a subtle kick and helps emulsify the dressing.
- Honey: A touch of natural sweetness to tie all the flavors together.
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper: Essential for seasoning and enhancing all ingredients.
How to Make Frisée Pear Blue Cheese Prosciutto Salad Recipe
Step 1: Crisp the Prosciutto
Begin by preheating your oven to 400°F. Lay the prosciutto slices in a single layer on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Bake for about 8 to 10 minutes until they turn beautifully crisp without burning. Once done, let them cool and then break the slices into large shards. This step transforms prosciutto from soft to irresistibly crunchy, adding a deliciously savory contrast to the salad.
Step 2: Prepare the Vinaigrette
While the prosciutto crisps up, whisk together two tablespoons of extra-virgin olive oil, one tablespoon of white wine or champagne vinegar, one teaspoon of Dijon mustard, one teaspoon of honey, and a pinch of salt and freshly ground pepper. Whisk until the ingredients fully emulsify into a smooth, balanced dressing. This vinaigrette is light yet flavorful, pulling the whole salad together with a charming tangy sweetness.
Step 3: Assemble the Salad
In a large salad bowl, combine the torn frisée lettuce, thinly sliced ripe pears, crumbled blue cheese, and toasted walnuts or pecans. Drizzle the vinaigrette over the top and toss everything gently but thoroughly, making sure every leaf and slice is beautifully coated without bruising the delicate greens.
Step 4: Finish with Prosciutto
Just before serving, scatter those crisp prosciutto shards on top. The final touch adds a stunning visual appeal and the satisfying snap of perfectly cooked meat, rounding out the flavors so each bite is an unforgettable experience.
How to Serve Frisée Pear Blue Cheese Prosciutto Salad Recipe
Garnishes
Adding a few extra crumbles of blue cheese or a sprinkle of additional toasted nuts on top can make this salad feel even more luxurious. A drizzle of honey or a fresh sprig of thyme also works wonders, giving it an artisanal finish that will impress every guest.
Side Dishes
This salad shines best alongside lighter dishes — think crusty artisan bread, a simple grilled chicken breast, or even a delicate seafood entrée. Its bright acidity and interesting textures balance rich mains perfectly, making it a versatile partner on your dining table.
Creative Ways to Present
For a stunning presentation, serve the salad in clear glass bowls so the vibrant colors shine through. Alternatively, use individual small plates and carefully arrange pear slices and prosciutto shards on top to showcase every element. Adding edible flowers can also elevate the visual appeal, turning this salad into a true centerpiece.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have leftovers, keep the salad components separate. Store the dressed greens briefly in an airtight container in the fridge, but avoid adding the prosciutto shards or pears until ready to serve to prevent sogginess.
Freezing
This particular salad isn’t suited to freezing because the texture of the greens, pears, and cheese would be compromised. It’s best enjoyed fresh to appreciate all the contrasting flavors and textures at their peak.
Reheating
Since this salad is served cold and crisp, reheating isn’t necessary. However, if you want to warm the prosciutto slightly, do so briefly in a low oven, then add it fresh to your salad for that perfect crunch.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of lettuce instead of frisée?
Absolutely! While frisée adds a wonderful peppery bite and interesting texture, baby arugula or radicchio can be great alternatives that maintain a bit of bitterness and crispness.
What other nuts can I use if I don’t have walnuts or pecans?
Almonds or pistachios make excellent substitutes, providing a different but equally delightful crunch and nutty flavor that complements the blue cheese beautifully.
Is there a way to make this salad vegetarian?
Yes, simply omit the prosciutto and consider adding roasted chickpeas or crispy plant-based bacon for added protein and texture without losing the salad’s charm.
Can I use a different cheese instead of blue cheese?
If you’re not a fan of blue cheese, try goat cheese or feta for a milder but still tangy flavor that pairs wonderfully with the pears and vinaigrette.
How far in advance can I prepare this salad?
You can wash and tear the lettuce and slice the pears a few hours ahead, but it’s best to keep the dressing and crispy prosciutto separate until just before serving to keep everything fresh and crisp.
Final Thoughts
This Frisée Pear Blue Cheese Prosciutto Salad Recipe is one of those dishes that feels special without any fuss. It’s perfect for impressing friends, elevating a weeknight meal, or enjoying a fresh, flavorful bite anytime you crave something both bright and indulgent. I can’t recommend making it enough — you’ll find it becomes a delicious staple you’ll want to revisit again and again.
Print
Frisée Pear Blue Cheese Prosciutto Salad Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Salad
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: French-inspired
Description
This Frisée Pear Blue Cheese Prosciutto salad is a delightful combination of bitter frisée greens, sweet ripe pears, sharp blue cheese, and crispy prosciutto shards. Topped with toasted nuts and a honey-Dijon vinaigrette, it balances flavors and textures perfectly, making it an elegant and easy-to-make dish ideal for a light lunch or appetizer.
Ingredients
Salad
- 1 large head frisée lettuce, washed and torn into bite-sized pieces
- 2 ripe pears, cored and thinly sliced
- 3.5 oz blue cheese, crumbled
- 6 slices prosciutto
- 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
- Crisp the Prosciutto: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Arrange the prosciutto slices in a single layer on the sheet. Bake for 8 to 10 minutes until the prosciutto is crisp. Remove from the oven and let cool, then break into large shards for topping.
- Prepare Vinaigrette: In a small bowl, whisk together the extra-virgin olive oil, white wine or champagne vinegar, Dijon mustard, honey, salt, and freshly ground black pepper until the dressing is emulsified and smooth.
- Assemble Salad: In a large salad bowl, combine the torn frisée lettuce, thinly sliced pears, crumbled blue cheese, and toasted walnuts or pecans. Drizzle the prepared vinaigrette over the salad ingredients and toss gently to ensure everything is evenly coated.
- Finish and Serve: Immediately before serving, top the salad with the crisp prosciutto shards. Serve promptly to enjoy the contrast of textures and fresh flavors.
Notes
- For the best texture, ensure the prosciutto is very crisp before adding to the salad.
- Use ripe but firm pears to avoid mushiness in the salad.
- To toast nuts, simply place them in a dry skillet over medium heat for 3-5 minutes, stirring frequently until fragrant and slightly browned.
- You can substitute blue cheese with gorgonzola or roquefort for a similar flavor profile.
- Adjust the amount of honey in the vinaigrette to balance the tanginess to your taste.
