HAZELNUT AND PEAR SALAD

Hazelnut and Pear Salad image

My husband, daughter and I raise hazelnuts in the Willamette Valley-so this salad is a family favorite. Since our home state of Oregon grows pears and cherries, too, I included them in the recipe I dreamed up. -Karen Kirsch, Saint Paul, Oregon

Provided by Taste of Home

Categories Lunch

Time 25m

Yield 6 servings.

Number Of Ingredients 13

Ingredients

1/3 cup plus 1/2 cup chopped hazelnuts, toasted, divided
2 tablespoons plus 1/2 cup chopped red onion, divided
2 tablespoons water
4-1/2 teaspoons balsamic vinegar
4-1/2 teaspoons sugar
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 garlic clove, halved
1/8 teaspoon paprika
1/4 cup olive oil
1 package (5 ounces) spring mix salad greens
1 medium pear, thinly sliced
1/2 cup crumbled Gorgonzola cheese
1/4 cup dried cherries

Steps:

For dressing, place 1/3 cup hazelnuts, 2 tablespoons onion, water, vinegar, sugar, salt, garlic and paprika in a food processor; cover and process until blended. While processing, gradually add oil in a steady stream. , In a large bowl, combine salad greens and remaining onion; add 1/2 cup dressing and toss to coat. Divide among six salad plates., Top each salad with pear, cheese, cherries and remaining hazelnuts; drizzle with the remaining dressing.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 272 calories, Fat 22g fat (4g saturated fat), Cholesterol 8mg cholesterol, Sodium 332mg sodium, Carbohydrate 18g carbohydrate (11g sugars, Fiber 4g fiber), Protein 5g protein.