Spinach Salad With Blue Cheese Spiced Walnuts Pears And Port Vinaigrette Recipes

SPINACH SALAD WITH BLUE CHEESE

Steps:

• Place dressing ingredients in a sealed jar or cruet and shake well to mix.
• Toss all the salad ingredients to mix well.
• Do not add dressing until just before serving.

PEAR & BLUE CHEESE WALNUT SALAD W/ PEAR VINAIGRETTE

Steps:

• Halve and core the pears. Slice thin, brush with lemon juice to prevent browning. This may be done up to 60 minutes ahead.
• To arrange the salads: line plates with salad greens.
• Fan pear slices atop each serving.
• Sprinkle with some blue cheese and candied nuts.
• Drizzle with dressing. Serve extra on the side.
• CANDIED WALNUTS / PECANS.
• Line a baking sheet with foil. Butter or spray with a nonstick oil.
• In a heavy skillet, over medium heat, combine: 1 C walnuts, 1/2 C sugar and 2 T butter.
• Cook until sugar starts to melt, DO NOT stir. Reduce heat to low and cook 'til sugar is golden brown. Stirring occasionally.
• Remove from heat and pour onto prepared baking sheet. Cool completely. Break into clusters.
• PEAR NECTAR VINAIGRETTE.
• In a screw top jar, combine:
• white wine vinegar, oil, pear nectar, Dijon mustard, salt, pepper.
• Cover and shake well.
• Store in refrigerator for up to one week.
• Shake before serving.
• Makes about 1°C.

APPLE, PEAR, AND SPINACH SALAD WITH WALNUTS AND BLUE CHEESE

Steps:

• In a small bowl, whisk together the shallot, vinegar, mustard, thyme, honey, 1/2 teaspoon salt, and a grind or two of pepper. Continue to whisk as you drizzle in the olive oil. Dip a spinach leaf into the dressing and taste. Add more vinegar or salt as needed. Set aside.
• Put the pear and apple in a large bowl, drizzle the lemon juice over them, and toss gently until the slices are evenly coated. Add the spinach and all but a tablespoon each of the walnuts and cheese, and drizzle with 1 tablespoon of the dressing. Toss and taste the salad. Add more dressing or vinegar, salt, and pepper as needed. Sprinkle the remaining walnuts and cheese over the salad.

SPINACH, PEAR, AND BLUE CHEESE SALAD

Steps:

• With a vegetable peeler or sharp paring knife, shave the pears, rotating the fruit as you work to form thin, even pieces.
• In a small bowl, whisk together lemon juice and oil; season with salt and pepper. Divide spinach, pears, and blue cheese among four serving plates; sprinkle with almonds and drizzle with lemon vinaigrette. Serve immediately.

PEAR SALAD WITH SPINACH, BLUE CHEESE, AND WALNUTS

Steps:

• Place pear on bed of fresh spinach.
• Mix blue cheese with heavy cream, and fill the center of the pear.
• Sprinkle with roasted walnuts.