Pear & Pecan Salad

I had this salad for the first time at a church function and instantly loved it! It is a great mixture of textures and tastes. It would be a beautiful and delicious side dish to any dinner or party you are having. This serves 8-10 people as a side.

If you’re making this for a smaller group, 1/3 or 1/4 the salad dressing recipe. Make the salad dressing first – at least 4 hours ahead of time.

• 1/4 cup chopped red onion
• 1 tsp Dijon mustard
• 1/3 cup vinegar
• 1.5 Tablespoons poppy seeds
• 1/3 cup granulated sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup of oil (canola, olive, etc whichever you prefer)

Puree the red onion in a blender and then add all the remaining ingredients (except the poppy seeds) and blend well. Add the poppy seeds and store in the fridge until time to serve.

Caramelize the pecans:

Put 3/4 cup of chopped pecans and 3 Tablespoons of brown sugar in a pan over medium heat. Stir constantly until the brown sugar melts onto the pecans. Remove from pan and store until ready to use.

When ready mix together

• 14 oz or more of spring mix lettuce (whichever amount you can find at the store)
• 3 oz feta cheese
• 1 or 2 chopped pears
• 1/2 cup craisins
• the caramelized pecans
• enough salad dressing to lightly coat

It is so yummy and I hope you make it soon! Let me know in the comments if you do! – Jenny