Ultimate Spring Mix Salad with Pear Dressing and Candied Pecans
Looking for a tasty salad recipe to impress your loved ones on Valentine's Day? This ultimate spring mix salad with pear dressing and candied pecans is just what you need. The star of the show is the homemade pear dressing, made with halved pears, vanilla, white vinegar, Dijon mustard, and grape seed oil. The dressing is sweet, tangy, and perfectly complements the fresh greens. Speaking of greens, this salad features a combination of spinach, arugula, and other leaves, offering a delightful mix of textures and flavors. To add some crunch, we candy some pecans with butter and brown sugar, adding a touch of sweetness. And for a creamy and tangy finish, we sprinkle some old white cheddar and goat cheese on top. This salad is a perfect starter for a romantic and delicious Valentine's Day dinner. Serve it on your favorite plates and enjoy a wonderful evening with your loved one.
Ingredients:
- 1 can of halved pears (including the juice)
- 2 teaspoons of vanilla
- 1 tablespoon of white vinegar
- 1 1/2 teaspoons of Dijon mustard
- 1/3 to 1/2 cup of grape seed oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Pecans
- 1/4 cup of brown sugar
- Butter
- Spring mix (spinach, arugula, etc.)
- Gala apples
- Radish
- Old white cheddar (optional)
- Goat cheese
Cooking steps:
- In a blender, combine the halved pears (including the juice), vanilla, white vinegar, Dijon mustard, and grape seed oil. Blend until smooth and creamy.
- Season the dressing with salt and pepper to taste.
- In a pan over medium heat, toast the pecans until fragrant.
- Add butter, brown sugar, and stir until the pecans are coated in a caramelized mixture.
- Transfer the pecans to a plate and let them cool.
- Chop the gala apples and radish into small pieces.
- In a large bowl, combine the spring mix, chopped apples, radish, old white cheddar, and goat cheese.
- Drizzle the pear dressing over the salad and toss to combine.
- Finally, add the candied pecans on top.
- Serve the spring mix salad on your favorite plates and enjoy a delicious and romantic Valentine's Day dinner!
