Cinnamon Pear, Goat Cheese & Praline Pecan Salad
OMG Good!!
Ingredients
- 4-5 c. spring mix lettuce (including torn romaine)
- 4 oz. pkg. chopped pecans, sugared (instructions below)
- 1 ripe red pear, cored and sliced or chopped
- 1/3 c. dried cranberries or cherries
- 1/2 c. (4 oz.) goat cheese, crumbled
Salad Dressing
- 1/8 c. Cinnamon Pear Balsamic Vinegar
- 1/2 t. Dijon mustard
- pinch of salt and pepper
- 1/4 c. extra-virgin olive oil
Instructions
Sugared Pecans: In a small Teflon skillet add about 2 Tbls. of white sugar to 1 cup of chopped pecans. Turn heat to almost high heat. Watch carefully so they don't burn. Stir constantly, the sugar will start to melt. Continue stirring for about 1-2 minutes until all sugar is melted and pecans are coated. Remove and place on a plate to cool. Store in an air-tight container.
Dressing: Using an electric mixer on low speed or whisk, mix together the cinnamon balsamic pear vinegar, mustard, salt and pepper. While still mixing, drizzle in olive oil in a steady stream until dressing is combined. You can make ahead and store in the refrigerator until ready to use. Let stand at room temperature for about 20 minutes before using.
To Assemble Salad: Place lettuce in a large salad bowl. Toss with slices of pear, chopped praline pecans, dried cranberries and goat cheese. Drizzle salad dressing to your liking. Toss with salad tongs or something similar.
Serves 4.
NOTE: I purchased Fat Louie's Cinnamon Pear Balsamic in Door County; they are also on the web. Any fine Oilery store should have that flavor.
Other uses for Cinnamon Pear Balsamic, check out these recipes (select link below):
Pear Cranberry Pecan Salad with Cinnamon Pear Balsamic
Cinnamon Pear French Toast