To me summer is all about the salads, and do I have a good one to share with you today! It’s a combination of salty prosciutto, peppery arugula, creamy gorgonzola and sliced sweet pears, need I say more?
The other day I discovered a new variety of pears called Abate ,( pronounced ah-BAH-tay) they have a unique shape, more oblong, taller and slimmer than the typical pears we’re use to. They originated in Italy and are said to be among the best in the world. I need to go back and get more before they disappear because I absolutely loved them.
They were perfect for this salad, not only were they sweet and juicy but they kept a nice firm shape when sliced. Of course any variety of pear will do for this salad, just make sure it’s not too overly ripe.
If you happen to come across some Abate pears, please give them a try!
I love salads that I can make or bring to a party, ones that I can arrange on a large platter with a pretty presentation, and this is one of them.
It looks pretty and it tastes even better, the flavor combination is out of this world good!
There’s no real recipe, just spread some arugula all over a platter, slice up some pears that have been cut in half lengthwise, cored and sliced. Arrange the pears all around, tuck in slices of prosciutto then crumble gorgonzola all over the top along with some toasted walnuts, that’s it!
Dress it right before serving, I used white balsamic and olive oil, a fifty fifty mix, just whisk it up add some salt and pepper and drizzle over the top, so delicious!
I call the above picture an Italian summer roll, something I saw Rachael Ray do but she didn’t add the gorgonzola. So using all the same flavors that were in the salad I made a roll out of it, here’s how:
Lay out a slice of proscuitto, add a small handful of arugula, one pear slice and a small chunk of gorgonzola then just roll it up, everything will stay together perfectly and it’s so easy to pick up and eat!
Either one of these would be great for Father’s Day this weekend, graduations or any of your upcoming summertime parties.
Want to see what else I’m cooking up during the week? You can follow me here on Instagram.
I’m Marie, a wife, mother, mother-in-law, and gramma of two beautiful girls. My passion is food, clear and simple but especially Italian food, hence the name of my blog, Proud Italian Cook. I want you to feel right at home here so grab a cup of coffee, I’ll get the pastries, take a look around and enjoy your visit! {
Love the layers of flavor! This is a great spring salad….refreshing!
What a delightful and delicious combo of flavors. I have to find those pears! Thanks for another great post.
Gorgeous salad!! I could eat my weight in that salad. The flavors combine perfectly and your dressing is the perfect touch. Recently I used the Gorgonzola on a salad and I loved the flavor it gave the dish. I’m going go have to write the pears name on my phone so I can keep an eye out for them. Thanks for sharing!! Have a great week — abbracci!
What a beautiful presentation. This is my sister’s favorite salad and if she knew where you lived you would find her with her nose pressed against your kitchen window. 🙂
This looks delicious! Question: If you do this in advance do you add some lemon juice to the pears so they don’t turn brown?
Gorgeous salad with an excellent flavor profile!
I love the combination of sweet pears, gorgonzola, salty prosciutto and walnuts. Can’t wait to try this one!
Marie, I have made this same salad (just made it up) but have not use this type of pear. I live in Mexico so we are just grateful for any pears that reach us from the US (it’s not really cold enough here to grow pear or apple trees!) but would love to try it. Your photo is amazing. Happy to find your blog. Congratulations!
Mary