Radicchio and Pear Salad with Walnuts and Blue Cheese

This salad has it all: bitter radicchio, sweet pears, crunchy walnuts, and creamy blue cheese. The dressing is a simple vinaigrette that brings all the flavors together. It's a perfect salad for fall or winter, when pears are at their peak.

This salad was inspired by a trip to Italy, where I had a similar salad at a small trattoria in the countryside. The salad was so good that I asked the chef for the recipe, and he was kind enough to share it with me. I've been making this salad ever since, and it's always a hit with my friends and family.

Prep time: 15 | Cook time: 0 | Serves: 4

Ingredients

• 1 head of radicchio, chopped
• 2 ripe pears, chopped
• 1/2 cup chopped walnuts
• 1/2 cup crumbled blue cheese
• 1/4 cup olive oil
• 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
• 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

1. In a large bowl, combine the radicchio, pears, walnuts, and blue cheese.
2. In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, red wine vinegar, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper.
3. Pour the dressing over the salad and toss to coat.
4. Serve immediately.

Why It Works

• The combination of bitter radicchio, sweet pears, crunchy walnuts, and creamy blue cheese is a perfect balance of flavors.
• The simple vinaigrette dressing allows the flavors of the salad to shine through.
• The salad is easy to make and can be served as a side dish or main course.