TASTE-OF-FALL SALAD

Taste-of-Fall Salad image

My parents stayed with me at a friend's beautiful ranch for the holidays and I made them this great salad. It turned into every night's first course. -Kristin Kossak, Bozeman, Montana

Provided by Taste of Home

Time 25m

Yield 6 servings.

Number Of Ingredients 11

Ingredients

2/3 cup pecan halves
1/4 cup balsamic vinegar, divided
Dash cayenne pepper
Dash ground cinnamon
3 tablespoons sugar, divided
1 package (5 ounces) spring mix salad greens
1/4 cup olive oil
1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
1/8 teaspoon salt
1 medium pear, thinly sliced
1/4 cup shredded Parmesan cheese

Steps:

In a large heavy skillet, cook the pecans, 2 tablespoons vinegar, cayenne and cinnamon over medium heat until nuts are toasted, about 4 minutes. Sprinkle with 1 tablespoon sugar. Cook and stir for 2-4 minutes or until sugar is melted. Spread on foil to cool., Place salad greens in a large bowl. In a small bowl, whisk the oil, mustard, salt and remaining vinegar and sugar; drizzle over greens and toss to coat. Arrange the greens, pear slices and pecans on six salad plates. Sprinkle with cheese.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 228 calories, Fat 19g fat (3g saturated fat), Cholesterol 2mg cholesterol, Sodium 135mg sodium, Carbohydrate 15g carbohydrate (11g sugars, Fiber 3g fiber), Protein 3g protein.