Spinach Pear And Green Bean Salad With Riesling Dressing Recipes

SPINACH PEAR SALAD W/BACON AND HONEY DIJON DRESSING

Steps:

• Fry smoked bacon to cripsy stage. Remove from skillet, let cool and reserve grease for dressing; Wash and Plate Spinach (remove stems); Wash and slice pears (using red pears will add color) - arrange over the bed of spinach; Add Blueberries if desired; Tear mint leaves and add to the plates; Crumble the crispy bacon and goat cheese over top. Dressing is simple -- Add vinegar, dijon mustard and honey to blender, mix well. With blender set on low speed, add bacon grease, and add EVOO slowly to emulsify dressing. Add salt and pepper to taste' mix well on high for the last couple of minutes. Drizzle on salad, and serve.

SPINACH SALAD WITH PEAR DRESSING

Steps:

• Place spinach or lettuce greens in a large salad bowl, or on individual plates.
• Distribute the apples, celery and scallions over the lettuce.
• Place the remaining ingredients, except the handful of cashews for garnish, in a blender or food processor.
• Pulse until smooth.
• Drizzle the dressing over the salad and sprinkle with extra cashews.

SPINACH-PEAR SALAD WITH GORGONZOLA, WALNUTS AND PEAR VINAIGRETTE

Steps:

• To make pear vinaigrette, combine reserved pear syrup, honey mustard, vinegar, salt and pepper to taste.
• Whisk in olive oil.
• Just before serving, gently toss together the toasted walnuts, drained pears, pear vinaigrette, spinach and Gorgonzola.

SPINACH, PEAR AND GREEN BEAN SALAD WITH RIESLING DRESSING

Steps:

• Purée diced pear, Riesling, lemon juice, shallot and Dijon mustard in food processor until smooth. With machine still running, gradually add vegetable oil through feed tube and blend mixture until smooth. Transfer to bowl. Season dressing to taste with salt and pepper.
• Cook green beans in large pot of boiling salted water until just tender but still firm to bite. Drain well. Transfer beans to medium bowl filled with ice water and cool thoroughly. Drain well. (Dressing and beans can be prepared 1 day ahead. Cover separately and refrigerate.)
• Toss green beans, spinach and sliced pears in large bowl with enough Riesling dressing to coat. Divide salad among plates. Sprinkle with crumbled blue cheese and toasted walnuts.