Pear & Honey-crisp Salad

I love this salad -- it has pear, honey-crisp apples, homemade candied pecans, avocado and a light vinaigrette - it's delicious!

Ingredients:

Salad Ingredients:

• Bib/butter/boston Lettuce

• Pear

• Honey Crisp Apple

• Avocado

• Gorgonzola (goat or blue would work too)

• Red Onion

• Salt and pepper

• Candied pecans or walnuts

  • If making your own

    • 4 cups of pecans

    • 1 cup of sugar

    • 3 egg whites

    • 1 stick of butter (melted)

    • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

    • Pinch salt

Dressing Ingredients:

• 1/3 cup White Balsamic

• 1/2 cup Extra Virgin Olive Oil

• Pinch Salt and Pepper

• 2 tablespoons dijon mustard

• 1 tablespoon honey

• Pinch red pepper flakes

Notes: If you have lime infused olive oil and cranberry vinegar - this makes this salad unbelievable - I just use those - I don't bother to add anything else! Check out Fustini's or Genesis Kitchen for great options!

Directions:

(if making the pecans - turn oven to 350)

1. Make the pecans - Preheat the oven to 350. Line a baking sheet that has sides with aluminum foil or parchment paper. Pour the melted butter onto the baking sheet. In a bowl, mix the egg whites, sugar and cinnamon and pinch of salt. Add the pecans and toss until fully coated. Spread the pecans onto the baking sheet. Bake these for 30 minutes, stirring about every 10 minutes or so. Let them cool for 10-15 before using - they will harden and get perfect.

2. Thinly slice the red onion. I like to use a mandoline. If you want to take some 'bite' out of the red onion - I like to soak them in ice cold water for about 10-15 minutes - when ready just drain and then dry.

3. Wash and clean the bib lettuce and shred into bite size pieces.

4. Cut the apple and pear into different shapes. I usually do the apple in match sticks and the pear into chunks (it's preference).

5. Cut the avocado into chunks.

6. Grab a large bowl - and layer in the lettuce, onion, avocado, pear, apple, gorgonzola and pecans.

7. Take all the dressing ingredients and whisk together. Dress the salad to your preference of dressing-ness (lol!).

Notes: If you want to be fancy - leave the lettuce in large pieces - and cut the pear in really thin large pieces to lay over the pieces of salad - add the large chunks of gorgonzola and pecans on top - this makes a statement if you want to serve individually before dinner or for dinner parties!

Enjoy!

XOXO, Chef Em