Arugula Salad with Fried Gorgonzola

Recipe courtesy Giada De Laurentiis

Show: Everyday ItalianEpisode: Eating Across America

Rated: 4 stars out of 5Rate itRead users' reviews (35)

RECIPE
COMMENTS & REVIEWS(35)

Cook Time:
2 min
Level:
Easy
Yield:
6 servings

Times:

Prep: 25 min
Inactive Prep: 2 hr 0 min
Cook: 2 min
Total:: 2 hr 27 min

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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.

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Comments & Reviews

recipe Arugula Salad with Fried Gorgonzola
zara north hills, CA 06-27-2009
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delicious
Rated: 5 stars out of 5

I made this for my family they loved it. Even myself i ate some it was so good. I hope you make more yummy things to eat.
recipe Arugula Salad with Fried Gorgonzola
Adam Redwood City, CA 06-16-2009
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mmmmmmmm!
Rated: 4 stars out of 5

Sooo Good! I added sliced almonds and some italian seasoning to the dressing and it came out wonderful!
recipe Arugula Salad with Fried Gorgonzola
LAURIE Woodbine, NJ 04-18-2009
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Fried Gorgonzola
Rated: 5 stars out of 5

Oh my goodness, these were tasty. I love gorgonzola, so I wasn't afraid to try it head on. Didn't make the salad but used as... an appetizer and there were a hit. I froze most of them so my soon to return to home college daughters can sample too. I hope they come out okay from a frozen state !Read more
recipe Arugula Salad with Fried Gorgonzola
Janet Trenton, MI 04-09-2009
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Delicious salad
Rated: 5 stars out of 5

Thoroughly enjoyed this delicious salad. Lemon vinagrette was a little tangy, but, I love lemon, so it was great. Cheese... balls were perfect and easy to make. A lot to do at the last minute, so would not make for a large crowd. My husband liked it and we felt it was a very refreshing salad.Read more
recipe Arugula Salad with Fried Gorgonzola
katie sea girt, NJ 04-01-2009
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Really great salad
Rated: 4 stars out of 5

Love the dressing. It is a perfect fit for peppery arugula. I happen to love gorgonzola but it is a very strong cheese. My... family likes when I make with goat cheese better. I love both. Thanks Giada....you are definitely one of my favorites on FN. One of only very few talents left. Read more
recipe Arugula Salad with Fried Gorgonzola
Anonymous 05-22-2008
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Yummy!
Rated: 5 stars out of 5

It was a very delicious dish. I personally don't like gorgonzola much, so used goat cheese instead and I am very happy I did... that. It was very yummy and everyone enjoyed it. I think I'll make this dish again!!!Read more