Strawberry Gouda Pecan Salad Recipes

STRAWBERRY & PECAN SALAD

Steps:

• In a small bowl, whisk the oil, 1/4 cup sugar, vinegar, onion, mustard and salt until sugar is completely dissolved; set aside. , Place pecans in a small heavy skillet. Cook over medium heat for 1-2 minutes until nuts are toasted. Sprinkle with remaining sugar. Cook and stir for 2-4 minutes or until sugar is melted. Spread on foil to cool. Break apart., In a large serving bowl, combine the lettuce, strawberries, cheese, sunflower kernels and sugared pecans. Drizzle with vinaigrette; toss to coat.

STRAWBERRY GOUDA PECAN SALAD

Steps:

• 1. Rinse lettuce. Drain well and dry, and tear into bite-sized pieces. Arrange lettuce on a chilled platter.
• 2. Slice and cut the Gouda into bite-sized pieces. Arrange on top of bed of romaine lettuce.
• 3. Slice strawberries with an egg slicer, and arrange in between the pieces of cheese.
• 4. Slice cucumber into VERY thin slices. Slit each cucumber slice from center to outer edge, one time. Make a cucumber twist by giving the slice a twist at the "opening" of the cucumber at the slice, and arrange on top of the lettuce bed with the strawberries and Gouda.
• 5. Toast the pecans in an 8" saute pan, with 2 - 3 tbsp. sugar,for about 5 minutes, until the sugar caramelizes and the pecans have a nice roasted color. Don't add any fluid ... just let the sugar caramelize the pecans. Let pecans cool, then give them a 'rough chop', leaving in rather large, coarse pieces. Use a food chopper or large sharp knife for this. Set aside for the moment.
• 6. For dressing, use a whisk to mix jam, oil, pressed garlic clove, vinegar and salt and pepper in large glass measuring cup. Drizzle over the salad. Sprinkle pecans over the top of all.
• 7. Serve right away, with extra vinaigrette on the side for those who might prefer more.