Baby Leaf Salad with Blue Cheese, Pears and Caramelised Walnuts
Rated 5.0 stars by 4 users
Author:
Drogo
Servings
2 - 3
Prep Time
10 minutes
Cook Time
15 minutes
This delicious baby leaf salad recipe combines crisp baby salad leaves with creamy blue cheese, lightly pickled pears and spicy caramelised walnuts for a perfect balance of sweet, savoury and tangy flavours. The fresh baby leaf salad provides a light and vibrant base, while the rich cheese and crunchy walnuts add plenty of texture and depth.
Finished with a flavourful blue cheese dressing, this elegant salad is ideal as a starter, light lunch or side dish. If you're wondering what is baby leaf salad, it typically refers to a mix of young, tender salad leaves harvested early for their delicate texture and mild flavour. This versatile recipe can easily be adapted by using different nuts, alternative blue cheeses or even a hard cheese such as Parmesan for a fresh twist on a classic baby leaf salad recipe.
Ingredients
Baby Leaf Salad with Blue Cheese, Pears and Caramelised Walnuts
-
50g granulated sugar
- 100g walnuts
- teaspoon chilli flakes
-
120g baby leaves
-
100g Fourme d'Ambert blue cheese
-
2 pears, such as Nashi
- 3 tablespoons honey vinegar
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
Directions
Method
- Step 1, Lightly toast the walnuts in a dry pan until fragrant, taking care not to burn them. Spread them out on a baking tray.
- Step 2, Heat sugar with a tablespoon of water in a saucepan until melted. Once melted, turn up the heat and cook until a golden amber colour. Add a pinch of salt and the chilli flakes.
- Step 3, Pour the caramel over the walnuts, taking care not to splash. Make sure the walnuts are quickly separated (if they do stick you can chop them afterwards, so don’t panic). Allow to cool.
- Step 4, Combine the lemon juice and olive oil with some salt and pepper in a clean, lidded jar or bowl and shake or whisk to combine. Set aside.
- Step 5, Use some of the dressing to coat the baby leaves and arrange on a platter. Arrange the cheese, fruit and nuts on top, and add the remaining dressing.
Recipe Note
What is baby leaf salad?
If you're wondering what is baby leaf salad, it refers to a mix of young, tender salad leaves harvested before reaching full maturity. Baby salad leaves are prized for their delicate texture, mild flavour and versatility in salads.
What leaves are used in a baby leaf salad?
A baby leaf salad typically contains a mixture of baby spinach, rocket, chard, mizuna and other young salad leaves. These baby salad leaves provide a variety of textures and flavours while creating a fresh, colourful salad.
What goes well in a baby leaf salad recipe?
A baby leaf salad recipe pairs beautifully with ingredients such as blue cheese, pears, walnuts, apples, beetroot and grilled chicken. Combining sweet, savoury and crunchy elements creates a balanced and satisfying dish.
How do you make blue cheese dressing?
Blue cheese dressing is usually made by combining crumbled blue cheese with olive oil, vinegar, cream or yoghurt and seasonings. It is a classic dressing for a baby leaf salad, adding richness and tangy flavour.
Can I make a baby leaf salad ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the ingredients for a baby leaf salad in advance. Store the baby salad leaves, dressing and toppings separately and assemble just before serving to keep the leaves fresh and crisp.
What wine pairs well with a baby leaf salad and blue cheese?
A crisp Sauvignon Blanc, dry Riesling or lightly oaked Chardonnay pairs beautifully with a baby leaf salad and blue cheese dressing. The acidity balances the richness of the cheese while complementing the sweetness of pears and walnuts.
Ingredients you'll need
