Sep 7, 20233 min read

Salad With A Punch: Bacon, Blue Cheese, Walnut & Pear Salad

Salad With A Punch: Bacon, Blue Cheese, Walnut & Pear Salad

This salad is one of my favourites. Mostly because it is such a flavour sensation it doesn't feel like you're eating a salad at all. The salty and filling bacon creates an epic flavour contrast with the tangy blue cheese and crispy refreshing pear. So delicious!

To make it for the week I recommend letting the bacon cool fully before adding it into the salad and keep any dressing separate until right before you eat it.

Tip: if you aren't going to eat it straight away, thoroughly coat the pear slices in lemon juice to prevent them going brown.

Anyway, a Salad With A Punch: Bacon, Blue Cheese, Walnut & Pear Salad - a salad you'll actually want to eat!

Ingredients:

For the Salad (serves 2):

4 cups fresh spinach or rocket
6-8 slices of rindless eye bacon (or streaky bacon, if preferred)
1/2 cup crumbled blue cheese
1/2 cup walnuts, roughly chopped
1 unripe pears, thinly sliced

For the Lemon Dressing:

Juice of 1 lemon
1 teaspoon extra virgin olive oil
Or balsamic vinegar also tastes great with this combo!
Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

Instructions:

Cook the Bacon: Cook the bacon until it's crispy and golden brown. I love the air fryer for bacon but the choice is yours! Air fryer, pan, grill... or may I recommend the barbecue if the weather is playing ball?

Prepare the Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together the lemon juice and olive oil or balsamic vinegar until well combined. Season with a pinch of salt and a few cracks of black pepper. Set aside.

Assemble the Salad: - In a large salad bowl, arrange the fresh spinach or rocket as a base.

- Once the bacon has cooled slightly, crumble or chop it into bite-sized pieces and distribute it evenly over the greens.

- Sprinkle the crumbled blue cheese and chopped walnuts over the salad.

- Gently lay the thinly sliced pears on top of the other ingredients. This creates a lovely contrast of colours and textures, and the unripe pear adds a delicious crunch.

Nutrient Benefits:

Protein in Bacon: Bacon provides a protein punch to keep you full, so don't be shy to have at least 3-4 pieces. My top tips for choosing bacon are to choice the most natural possible! You want the highest meat content available. I recommend rindless eye bacon for this salad as it packs more protein and less fat than streaky bacon. Fat isn't bad, but we have plenty in the cheese and nuts for this dish!
Nutrients in Blue Cheese: Blue cheese is rich in calcium. It also contains vitamin B12, a vital nutrient for energy production and a healthy nervous system.
Nutrients in Walnuts: Walnuts are a powerhouse of healthy fats, particularly omega-3 fatty acids. These fats are heart-healthy and may help reduce inflammation. Walnuts are also a good source of antioxidants, fibre, and various vitamins and minerals.
Nutrients in Unripe Pear (for Crunch): Unripe pears contribute a satisfying crunch to the salad. They are a source of dietary fibre, which aids in digestion and promotes a feeling of fullness. Pears also contain vitamin C, an antioxidant that supports a strong immune system.

Drizzle with Dressing: Just before serving, drizzle the lemon dressing evenly over the salad. You can adjust the amount of dressing to your preference; some like a little, while others prefer more.

Serve and Enjoy: Toss the salad gently to combine the ingredients and coat them with the dressing. Serve immediately, allowing the warm bacon to slightly melt the blue cheese, creating a delightful contrast of salty, creamy, and tangy flavours. The walnuts add a satisfying crunch, and the lemon dressing brings a fresh zing to each bite.

This Bacon, Blue Cheese, Walnut & Pear Salad isn't just delicious; it's also a nutrient-rich meal that offers a balance of flavours and health benefits.

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