Frisée Pear Blue Cheese Prosciutto

Elevate your next meal with this sophisticated Frisée, Pear, Blue Cheese, and Crispy Prosciutto Salad. This Modern European dish serves four and perfectly balances the bitter notes of frisée lettuce with the succulent sweetness of ripe pears and the creamy intensity of blue cheese. Completed with salty shards of crisped prosciutto and a tangy honey-mustard vinaigrette, it is a gluten-free starter or light lunch that comes together in just 25 minutes.

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The key to this salad is the contrast between the warm, salty prosciutto and the cool, juicy pears. By whisking a simple yet bright dressing of olive oil, white wine vinegar, and Dijon mustard, you create a cohesive flavor profile that highlights the complexity of the blue cheese without overwhelming the delicate frisée greens.

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

Step 1

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

Step 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.

Step 3

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

Step 4

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

Step 5

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

Step 6

Top the salad with crispy prosciutto shards just before serving.

Zusatztipps für die Zubereitung

To ensure maximum crispiness, make sure the prosciutto slices are arranged in a single layer and not overlapping on the baking sheet. If you are preparing the salad in advance, slice the pears just before serving to prevent browning, or lightly toss them in a teaspoon of lemon juice.

Varianten und Anpassungen

If frisée is unavailable, arugula or baby spinach make excellent substitutes. For a different flavor profile, swap the standard blue cheese for Gorgonzola or Roquefort. To create a vegetarian version, simply omit the prosciutto and add extra toasted nuts for a satisfying crunch.

Serviervorschläge

Serve this elegant salad immediately while the prosciutto is perfectly crisp. For a complete dining experience, pair it with a chilled glass of Sauvignon Blanc, as the wine's acidity beautifully complements the tangy vinaigrette and rich blue cheese.

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This Frisée, Pear, Blue Cheese, and Crispy Prosciutto Salad is a testament to how a few simple, high-quality ingredients can create a truly gourmet experience. Whether served as a light lunch or a sophisticated first course, its vibrant colors and bold flavors are sure to impress.

Recipe Questions

→ Can I make this salad ahead of time?

Prepare components separately in advance. Wash and dry frisée, slice pears (toss with lemon juice to prevent browning), crumble cheese, and make vinaigrette up to 24 hours ahead. Bake prosciutto fresh and assemble just before serving to maintain crispness.

→ What can I substitute for frisée lettuce?

Arugula adds peppery notes, baby spinach offers milder flavor, or mixed greens provide variety. Radicchio works well if you enjoy bitterness. Each alternative maintains the salad's sophisticated character while adjusting flavor profiles.

→ How do I store leftover crispy prosciutto?

Keep cooled prosciutto shards in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. Place paper towels between layers to absorb moisture. Avoid refrigeration as it introduces humidity that makes the prosciutto lose its crunch.

→ Which blue cheese works best?

Roquefort delivers sharp intensity, Gorgonzola Dolce offers creamier mildness, and Stilton provides balanced earthiness. Choose based on your preference—stronger cheeses stand up to bitter frisée, while milder varieties let pear sweetness shine through.

→ Can I grill the prosciutto instead of baking?

Yes, grill prosciutto over medium-high heat for 1-2 minutes per side until crisp. Watch closely as the high sugar content causes rapid browning. The grilling method adds subtle smokiness that complements the salad's European flavors.

→ What wine pairs well with this salad?

A crisp Sauvignon Blanc cuts through the rich blue cheese and prosciutto while complementing sweet pears. Pinot Grigio offers lighter acidity, or try a dry Riesling for fruit-forward notes that bridge the salad's diverse flavor elements.