Mediterranean Pears with Blue Cheese Wrapped in Grilled Zucchini
This elegant Mediterranean-inspired appetizer combines sweet pears, creamy tangy blue cheese, and smoky grilled zucchini for a perfect balance of flavors. The zucchini acts as a light wrap, holding the pears and cheese together, while a drizzle of olive oil and honey adds a touch of richness. It’s a simple but refined dish that’s great for entertaining or as a starter before a main meal.
Time:
Prep: 15 minutes
Cook: 10 minutes
Total: 25 minutes
Ingredients
2 medium pears, cored and sliced into thin wedges
100 g (3.5 oz) blue cheese, crumbled
1 medium zucchini (about 200 g / 7 oz), thinly sliced lengthwise
1 tbsp (15 ml) olive oil
1 tsp (5 g) honey (optional, for a touch of sweetness)
Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Fresh thyme leaves, for garnish
Instructions
Prepare the zucchini:
Slice zucchini lengthwise into thin ribbons using a mandoline or sharp knife. You’ll want about 12 strips.
Brush lightly with olive oil and season with a pinch of black pepper.
Grill the zucchini:
Heat a grill pan or outdoor grill to medium-high.
Grill zucchini strips for 1–2 minutes per side, until softened and grill marks appear. Set aside to cool slightly.
Assemble the wraps:
Place a pear wedge and a small spoonful of crumbled blue cheese at one end of each zucchini strip.
Gently roll the zucchini around the filling to create a wrap. Secure with a toothpick if needed.
Finish and serve:
Arrange the wrapped pears on a serving platter.
Drizzle with a little honey (if using) and sprinkle with fresh thyme leaves.
Serve warm or at room temperature.
Tips
Choose ripe but firm pears: They should be sweet and juicy but not too soft, so they hold their shape when wrapped.
Slice zucchini thinly: A mandoline works best for even ribbons that are easy to roll. If the slices are too thick, they’ll break or won’t bend smoothly.
Don’t over-grill: Just enough to soften the zucchini and get light grill marks. Overcooking will make it mushy and harder to wrap.
Keep portions small: A little blue cheese goes a long way, since it has a bold flavor.
Serve quickly: Best enjoyed soon after assembling, while the zucchini is still tender and the pears fresh.
Variations
Cheese swap: If blue cheese is too strong, try goat cheese, ricotta, or feta for a milder flavor.
Nutty addition: Add a toasted walnut or pecan piece with the pear for crunch.
Herbal twist: Use fresh basil or mint instead of thyme for a brighter note.
Extra drizzle: Instead of honey, try a balsamic glaze for a sweet-tangy finish.
Make it a salad: Serve the wrapped pears on a bed of arugula with a light vinaigrette for a more complete appetizer plate.
Q&A
Q: Can I make these ahead of time?
You can grill the zucchini ribbons in advance and store them in the fridge. Assemble the wraps just before serving so the pears stay fresh and the zucchini doesn’t get soggy.
Q: What pears work best?
Bosc or Anjou pears are ideal since they’re sweet but firm enough to hold their shape.
Q: Can I serve this cold?
Yes. While slightly warm zucchini is delicious, these wraps also taste great served chilled as a refreshing appetizer.
Q: What can I serve alongside this dish?
They pair beautifully with toasted bread, crostini, or a simple green salad. A glass of crisp white wine or Prosecco works nicely too.
Q: Can I make this without a grill?
Yes. You can use a stovetop grill pan or even briefly roast zucchini ribbons in the oven until softened.
Nutrition
(per wrap, based on ~12 wraps)
Calories: ~55
Protein: 2g
Fat: 3.5g
Saturated Fat: 2g
Carbohydrates: 5g
Fiber: 1g
Sugar: 3g
Sodium: 90mg
(Values are approximate and will vary based on cheese type and whether honey is used.)
Conclusion
Mediterranean Pears with Blue Cheese Wrapped in Grilled Zucchini are a beautiful appetizer that balance sweet, savory, and smoky flavors. They’re simple to prepare but feel elegant enough for dinner parties or holiday spreads. With the creaminess of blue cheese, the sweetness of pears, and the light smokiness of zucchini, each bite is full of contrast and harmony. Easy to adapt with different cheeses, herbs, or drizzles, this recipe is both versatile and impressive.