NUTTY PEAR SPINACH SALAD

Nutty Pear Spinach Salad image

Pear slices and some dried cherries, crunchy pecans, spinach and blue cheese combine to make this special savory salad from Laurie LaClair of North Richland Hills, Texas. "This elegant and impressive salad draws oohs and aahs every time I serve it," she notes. "Guests always think I've fussed, so I keep it my little secret that I can prepare this salad in 15 minutes!"

Provided by Taste of Home

Categories Lunch

Time 20m

Yield 4 servings.

Number Of Ingredients 13

Ingredients

6 cups fresh baby spinach
1 large pear, thinly sliced
2/3 cup coarsely chopped pecans, toasted
1/2 cup dried cherries
1/2 cup crumbled blue cheese
2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
1 tablespoon soy sauce
1 tablespoon honey
1-1/2 teaspoons stone-ground mustard
1 garlic clove, minced
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/8 teaspoon pepper
1/2 cup olive oil

Steps:

In a large bowl, combine the spinach, pear, pecans, cherries and blue cheese. In a small bowl, whisk the vinegar, soy sauce, honey, mustard, garlic, salt and pepper. Gradually whisk in oil. Pour over salad and toss to coat. Serve immediately.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 554 calories, Fat 47g fat (8g saturated fat), Cholesterol 13mg cholesterol, Sodium 690mg sodium, Carbohydrate 31g carbohydrate (23g sugars, Fiber 5g fiber), Protein 8g protein.