SPINACH SALAD WITH PEARS & CANDIED PECANS

Spinach Salad with Pears & Candied Pecans image

A tasty combination of pears, blue cheese and spinach make this salad a standout. The sugared pecans add a nice crunch and a bit of sweetness. If you like poppy seeds, feel free to add some to the vinaigrette.-Tamara Stimpson, Zephyr, Ontario

Provided by Taste of Home

Categories Lunch

Time 30m

Yield 12 servings.

Number Of Ingredients 11

Ingredients

1 tablespoon butter
3 tablespoons brown sugar
1 cup pecan halves
2/3 cup canola oil
1/2 cup sugar
1/3 cup lemon juice
3 tablespoons finely chopped red onion
1 teaspoon salt
2 packages (6 ounces each) fresh baby spinach
2 medium pears, peeled and cubed
3/4 cup crumbled blue cheese

Steps:

In a small heavy skillet, melt butter. Add brown sugar; cook and stir over medium heat until dissolved. Add pecans; cook for 3-5 minutes or until toasted, stirring frequently. Spread onto foil to cool., In a small bowl, whisk the oil, sugar, lemon juice, onion and salt; set aside. Just before serving, in a large salad bowl, combine the spinach, pears, cheese and candied pecans. Drizzle with dressing and toss to coat.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 281 calories, Fat 22g fat (4g saturated fat), Cholesterol 9mg cholesterol, Sodium 345mg sodium, Carbohydrate 19g carbohydrate (15g sugars, Fiber 2g fiber), Protein 4g protein.