Candied Pecan & Blue Cheese Salad

This is another one of my favorite, quick, easy, and freaking delish salads.  This is so good and the presentation is amazing.  I actually don't even use the dressing below unless I am entertaining, it is so good just on it's own.  Enjoy!

Candied Pecan & Blue Cheese Salad

10 cups mixed greens
3 medium pears cored and sliced thinly
1/2 candied pecans (see recipe below)
1/2 cup crumbled blue cheese (I always use more!)

Place your greens on a large serving platter. Top with pears, pecans, and blue cheese.  If you prefer to do individual serving, toss all ingredients in a large bowl and then add the dressing just before serving and divide equally into 8 servings.

Dressing

1/4 cup pear nectar
2 tbs vegetable oil
2 tbs white wine vinegar
1 tsp dijon mustard
1/8 tsp ground ginger
1/8 tsp black pepper

For the dressing, place all ingredients in a screw top jar and shake well until combined.  Dress salad just before serving.


Candied Pecans

1 1/2 cup pecan halves
1/2 cup brown sugar

In a heavy bottom skillet, place nuts and brown sugar over medium heat, stirring constantly until the sugar melts and sticks to the nuts.  Remove from heat and let cool, give them a stir every couple of minutes until cool and / or ready to use.

Helpful Hint

Double the candied pecan recipe above and store half in the freezer for up to two weeks.  They compliment almost any salad.