Salad isn't just a summer affair. When the weather turns a little cooler, salad needs a little more oomph and weight to it. This cheese ploughman's salad does just that. It is a lovely mix of fresh, delicious salad leaves and topped with grilled cheese, Ploughman's pickle and a dash of Worcestershire sauce.
The adding of the grilled cheese, bread and pickle turns a simple straightforward salad into a great snack, supper or lunch dish and children love eating salad this way. And, by the way, it is also good for you too.
Ingredients
- 6 slices bread (Granary or other rustic, wholemeal bread)
- 6 tablespoons ploughman's pickle (see note below)
- 6 ounces double Gloucester cheese
- 5 dashes Worcestershire sauce
- 1 bag (8 ounces) mixed salad leaves
- 2 pears (cored and thinly sliced)
- 4 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 2 tablespoons cider vinegar
- 1 pinch caster sugar
Steps to Make It
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Toast each slice of bread under a medium grill or brown in a hot grill pan. Spread each slice of bread evenly with the Ploughman’s pickle.
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Coarsely grate the cheese, then divide between each slice of bread making sure each has a good, thick topping of cheese.
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Cook under a hot grill until the cheese has melted and slightly bubbling but not too brown, about 1 minute per slice. Once the cheese has melted, spread the cheese across the bread slice making sure the crusts are covered.
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Sprinkle liberally with the Worcestershire sauce. Place back under the grill and cook for another 2 minutes. Once cooked, remove from the grill and put to one side. Once cooled slightly, cut into chunky bite-sized pieces.
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Meanwhile, in a bowl, whisk together all the dressing ingredients. If needed, wash and pat dry the salad leaves. Place them into a large salad bowl. Add the pear slices and the dressing. Toss lightly being careful not to break the pear up too much.
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Divide the salad between 4 plates. Top each salad with the toasted cheese pieces and serve immediately.
Notes: If you like a more hefty salad, steam cook baby new potatoes, leave to cool slightly then add to the salad.
Ploughman’s pickle is a type of pickle known as Branston Pickle in the UK. Branston is a thick dark chunky relish-type pickle made from finely chopped vegetables bathed in a thick dark sauce. The sauce is named after the village of Burton in Staffordshire, where manufacturers Crosse & Blackwell first produced Branston pickle in 1922.
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