Pear and Blue Cheese Salad

As promised, below is the recipe for the salad from my dinner party.  This was a HUGE success!  I love this because it is super easy and delicious.  I often times make this to have as my main course instead of a side dish! Enjoy!

Pear and Blue Cheese Salad with a Mustard Vinaigrette

Serves 4-6

Source: Unknown (had this recipe for years)

1/2 cup to 2/3 cup of walnuts (pecans or almonds also work well)
1 tablespoon of cider vinegar
2-3 teaspoons Dijon mustard
1/4 ts salt
3-4 tablespoons EVOO
2 pears
3 oz blue cheese, crumbled
lettuce mix (pre-made of homemade - spinach and arugula work well)

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F and spread nuts on a banking sheet in a single layer.  Bake until nuts are toasted.  You want to be sure you can smell the fragrant roasting smell before removing.  Cool nuts down on a plate lined with a Scott towel for 5-10 minutes then coarsely chop with a knife. 

Meanwhile, wash salad and assemble in serving bowl. 

In a small dish, whisk together vinegar and Dijon mustard.  Season with 1/4 teaspoon of salt and pepper.  Gradually whisk in olive oil until you get the smooth consistency of the salad dressing.  You want this to be slightly thick dressing so error on the side of less as it is easier to add than to take away!

Quarter and core the pear and thinly slice to arrange on salad.  Toss together pears, blue cheese, nuts, lettuce, and salad dressing.  Save some extra nuts and blue cheese to garnish top of salad. 

Serve immediately!!!

Rating:
Moe, 10 out of 10
Miss J, 10 out of to

Note:  Picture in previous "Dinner Party!" post with I Ain't Chicken Chicken and Potatoes.

- Miss J