Spinach and Pear Salad Recipe

Spinach and Pear Salad Recipe

  • 3/4 cup hazelnuts
  • 1/3 cup sherry vinegar or cider vinegar
  • 1/3 cup hazelnut or salad oil
  • 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
  • 3 firm-ripe pears (8 oz. each), rinsed
  • 1 (16 ounce) bag baby spinach leaves, rinsed and crisped
  • 1 cup Danish Blue Cheese
  • Salt and pepper
  1. In a 6- to 8-inch frying pan over medium heat, stir hazelnuts often until golden under skins, 5 to 10 minutes. Pour onto a towel and let stand until cool enough to handle. Rub nuts in towel to remove any loose skins. Lift nuts from towel and reserve; discard skins. Coarsely chop nuts.
  2. In a large bowl, whisk vinegar, oil, and mustard to blend. Cut pears lengthwise into quarters and core; cut quarters lengthwise into thin slices. Drop slices into bowl and mix to coat with dressing. Add spinach and mix gently. Sprinkle with blue cheese and toasted nuts and mix gently. Add salt and pepper to taste.