Tuscan Pear Salad Recipes

TUSCAN PEAR SALAD

Steps:

• Combine lettuces, celery, bacon, cheese, pear, pecans and strawberries in a large bowl.
• In a smaller bowl, combine remaining ingredients with a wire whisk.
• Pour dressing over the salad and toss well.

CURRIED CASHEW, PEAR, AND GRAPE SALAD

Steps:

• In a large, dry skillet over medium-high heat, toast cashews until golden brown, about 5 minutes. Remove cashews to a dish to cool slightly.
• Return skillet to medium-high heat, cook bacon strips until crisp on both sides, about 7 minutes. Remove bacon with a slotted spoon, and soak up grease with a paper towel. Coarsely chop bacon, and set aside.
• In a medium bowl, stir together butter, rosemary, curry powder, brown sugar, salt, cayenne pepper, and toasted cashews. Set aside.
• In a small bowl, stir together white wine vinegar, mustard, and honey. Slowly whisk in olive oil, and sprinkle with salt and pepper to taste.
• In a large salad bowl, toss dressing with greens, pear slices, grapes, and bacon, and sprinkle with nut mixture.

GRILLED PEARS WITH GORGONZOLA, WALNUTS & VINAIGRETTE SALAD

Steps:

• Clean and oil your grill grate. Turn on and heat to medium high heat.
• Cut pears in half and scoop out the cores. Slice a piece off the skin side so it will lay flat without rolling. Brush with a light oil (see Recipe #369334). Place pears cut-side down on the grill. Cover and cook until heated through and nice grill marks appear, about 10 minutes.
• In the meantime, toast walnuts in small pan over medium heat on stovetop until toasted, about 5 minutes. Pour walnuts in small bowl and while still warm add gargonzola and mix so cheese melts. Add honey. Stir lightly to incorporate.
• Toss arugula or other greens very lightly with vinaigrette. Divide onto four plates.
• When pears are nicely grilled on cut side turn over and divide gorgonzola mixture among pears. Grill for a couple minutes more. Remove pears and place ½ pear on each of the four plates. Drizzle with vinaigrette. Serve warm.