Ingredients
- 7 ounces Gorgonzola
- 1 large egg, beaten to blend
- 3/4 cup dried Italian bread crumbs
- 3 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- 1 garlic clove, minced
- 1/2 teaspoon grated lemon peel
- 1/3 cup olive oil, plus more for deep-frying
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper
- 12 cups coarsely torn arugula (about 10 ounces)
Directions
Blend the Gorgonzola in a food processor until smooth and creamy, scraping down the sides of the work bowl occasionally. Using 1 rounded teaspoon of cheese for each, form the cheese into 18 (1-inch) balls. Working in batches, coat the balls with the egg then with the bread crumbs. Repeat coating the balls in the egg and bread crumbs. Arrange the balls on a small baking sheet. Cover and refrigerate until cold, at least 2 hours or overnight.
Whisk the lemon juice, garlic, and lemon peel in a medium bowl to blend. Gradually whisk in 1/3 cup oil. Season the dressing, to taste, with salt and pepper. Set the dressing aside.
Add enough oil to a heavy small saucepan to come 2 inches up the sides of the pan. Heat the oil over medium heat. At this point, remove the refrigerated Gorgonzola balls from the refrigerator. Working in batches, add the cold balls to the hot oil and fry just until golden brown, about 20 seconds. (It is essential that the Gorgonzola balls be cold when they go into the oil, otherwise they will fall apart in the oil. If they start to warm up at any point, return them to the refrigerator to firm back up.) Using a slotted spoon, transfer the fried balls to paper towels to drain.
Toss the arugula in a large bowl with enough dressing to coat. Season the salad, to taste, with salt and pepper. Mound the salad on plates. Top the salads with the hot fried Gorgonzola balls and serve immediately.

















Review This Recipe
You must be signed in to review this recipe.
or Register to Review
Newest Ratings and Reviews
Read all 31 reviews
By Lynette ;-)
mahwah, NJ
on March 24, 2012
Flag
Flag This Review?
Please provide the reason why you think this review is inappropriate.
or Cancel
I thought this was really good. I made this as the recipe calls. Easy. I also will use the fried gorgonzola for an accpompanyment to tomato soup.
By The Food Lover
on December 30, 2010
Flag
Flag This Review?
Please provide the reason why you think this review is inappropriate.
or Cancel
I found this sald very lite and tasty. The cheese balls were delicious! I loved the vinaigrette, but I think if you add just a little bit of dijon mustard it would be even more delicous. Thank you for this wonderful and easy recipe!
By annha
on December 28, 2010
Flag
Flag This Review?
Please provide the reason why you think this review is inappropriate.
or Cancel
I LOVE gorgonzola and full flavored salads, (full flavored everything but this dish was too intense.I was skeptical when I read the reviews saying the gorgonzola was too strong because frankly I adore all cheeses. I agree with the other reviewers that a gorgonzola and goat cheese blend would be nice. The biggest issue however, was the dressing. It was light, but it was incredibly tart. I suggest using less lemon or maybe omitting the lemon zest. On a positive note, I didn’t have any issues frying the balls because I chilled them overnight so that they stayed intact. I love Giada's food and this is the first thing that I have made and not liked. Just be careful with the lemon.
Read all 31 reviews