Spinach Salad with "Poached" Pear

30 min

4 Servings

Ingredients

1 can

pear halves (14.5 oz. can; reserve juice)

1 Tbsp

shallots (chopped)

1 tsp

Dijon mustard

1/4 cup

extra virgin olive oil

1/4 cup

cider vinegar

1/4 tsp

dried thyme

salt

pepper

cooking spray

1 cup

plain pecans

1 Tbsp

honey

2 Tbsp

golden brown sugar

2 cup

grape juice

12 oz

baby spinach

1/2 cup

crumbled Gorgonzola or Bleu cheese

1/4 cup

cranberries (dried)

Prep Time:

30 min

Total Time:

30 min

Instructions

To make the dressing, put 2 pear halves, shallots, Dijon mustard, olive oil, cider vinegar, and thyme into a blender or food processor. Add salt and pepper to taste. Process for 30 to 45 seconds to thoroughly blend all ingredients.

To make candied pecans, place pecans in a bowl and toss with honey. Sprinkle golden brown sugar over pecans and toss again coating pecans evenly with mixture. Cover a baking sheet with foil and coat with cooking spray. Spread pecans evenly onto baking sheet. Bake at 325° F for 7 to 10 minutes or until golden brown.

For a traditional poached pear look, soak the drained pear halves in grape juice in a shallow bowl overnight. To compose the salads, divide the spinach between four salad plates and top with even amounts of cheese, cranberries and candied pecans. Drain the pears, discarding grape juice, slice thinly lengthwise then gently fan out and place on top of each salad. Drizzle with dressing and enjoy!

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