Jul 14 2026
RestaurantsLombardino's RestaurantGorgonzola-stuffed Dates Recipe

Gorgonzola-stuffed Dates Recipe

Time25m
Serves12

Set on finocchiona salami with local pea shoots, toasted pistachios & a drizzle of aged balsamic vinegar

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Ingredients

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Assembly & Garnish

Method

Prepare Dates & Filling

  1. 1

    Pit and open dates

    Using a small paring knife, make a single lengthwise slit in each Medjool date and gently remove the pit. Keep the date halves intact so each forms a pocket for the filling.

  2. 2

    Make the cheese filling

    In a small bowl, crumble the Gorgonzola. If using cream cheese, add it to the bowl. Mix with a fork until smooth and homogenous. Stir in the lemon zest and 1/4 tsp freshly ground black pepper. Taste and adjust — the filling should be creamy, slightly tangy and spreadable but still hold shape.

  3. 3

    Fill the dates

    Using a small spoon or a piping bag (or a small zip-top bag with a corner snipped), fill each pitted date with about 1 teaspoon of the Gorgonzola mixture. Smooth the surface so the filling sits flush with the date opening.

Assemble & Garnish

  1. 4

    Arrange salami and pea shoots

    On a serving platter, divide the pea shoots into 3 small loose piles (or scatter evenly). Lay a slice of finocchiona over or slightly under each pile so each finished bite will sit atop salami and greens.

  2. 5

    Place stuffed dates

    Set one Gorgonzola-stuffed date on top of each salami slice/pea shoot portion (24 total), pressing slightly so the date nestles into the salami and greens.

  3. 6

    Add pistachios and season

    Scatter the toasted chopped pistachios evenly over the arranged dates and pea shoots. Lightly drizzle the extra-virgin olive oil over the platter and finish with freshly ground black pepper to taste (about 1 tsp).

  4. 7

    Finish with aged balsamic

    Just before serving, lightly drizzle the aged balsamic vinegar over the dates (about 1 tsp distributed sparingly) to provide a sweet-tangy accent. Serve immediately at room temperature.

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