Gorgonzola salad is beyond delicious thanks to the combination of crispy lettuce leaves, earthy, pungent cheese and sweet green apples. There are many different recipes you can pick from, which gives you plenty of options for customizing the salad to your liking.
Below are some tips for making the best gorgonzola salad you’ve ever had. And the best part is that you don’t have to leave home to enjoy it!
Every good salad starts with the right greens. We recommend using romaine lettuce since it gives the salad a nice crunchy base. But if you’re not a fan of romaine, you can also use spinach, kale or mixed greens. Be sure to wash the greens thoroughly in cold water to lift dirt out of the nooks and crannies.
Adding chicken to your salads gives them much-needed protein while also helping you feel fuller longer. You don’t need anything overpowering, as this will take away from the salad, so we recommend simple grilled chicken. You can grill a small chicken breast and place it on top of the salad, or cut up the chicken into small chunks.
Since this is a gorgonzola salad, you have to stick to gorgonzola cheese, a specific type of blue cheese from Italy. It tastes milder and has a softer texture than blue cheese, though it still has a strong flavor compared to other cheeses. Be sure to choose a high quality brand of gorgonzola crumbles, as this will give you the tangy, creamy taste.
Red onions are the perfect onions for salad. However, they have a strong taste, so you don’t want to add too much of them, otherwise they will overpower the salad. Slice the onions thin to add flavor and color to your greens. You can even soak them in cold water to pull out more of their pungency and further soften their flavor.
You can add either green apples or pears to your salad based on your taste preference. Green apples, specifically granny smith apples, have a tart flavor and crisp texture that gives them their unique taste profile. They work wonderfully in a gorgonzola salad. If you’re not a fan of apples, swap them out for pears instead.
To finish off the salad, reach for dried cranberries and candied pecans. Cranberries add more tartness to the salad, while candied pecans add sweetness. They also complete the salad by adding color and sophistication to it!
The best dressings for a gorgonzola salad are vinaigrettes. We recommend a mustard vinaigrette that uses apple cider vinegar, olive oil, dijon, garlic and herbs and spices. A recipe like this is light and will keep your salad tasting fresh and flavorful. Add the dressing right before serving the salad so that it does not get soggy.
Gorgonzola salad is packed with flavor - and it’s healthy! You can serve it alongside pizza or grilled chicken breast, or have it as its own meal!