Spinach, Pear and Pomegranate Salad

Spinach, Pear and Pomegranate Salad

Over the holidays I was on the hunt for the perfect green salad to bring to the table.  Then I recalled one of my recent Pinterest additions that fit the bill perfectly.  It was a hearty, yet elegant, spinach salad that combined sweet pears, a slight tang (and gorgeous color accent) from pomegranate seeds, blue cheese and walnuts, for one spectacular dish.  

I knew it was the salad that I wanted to prepare and share with family and friends, as well as one that I happily carried over into my permanent salad repertoire.  With a few slight tweaks--I substituted the blue cheese for the goat cheese that I had on hand and made a sherry vinaigrette to dress the dish--it has become a new (and likely perennial) favorite.  

Hearty enough for a satisfying bite during the cold weather, scrumptious enough to merit regular menu appearances--and chocked full of nutrients!--you'll love bringing this dish to your table.

Happy Eating!

Spinach, Pear and Pomegranate Salad -- recipe courtesy of Williams-Sonoma

Sherry Vinaigrette
Ingredients:
1/4 cup sherry vinegar
1 teaspoon dijon mustard
1 small shallot, finely diced
1/2 teaspoon honey
1/2 cup extra virgin olive oil
Kosher salt
Freshly ground black pepper

Method:
Whisk together the vinegar, mustard, shallot, honey, and salt and pepper to taste.  Slowly drizzle and whisk in the olive oil.  Drizzle desired amount over salad and toss to coat.