Grape N Pear Tossed Salad Recipes

PEAR AND GRAPE SALAD

Steps:

• If pears are fresh, they should be very ripe (dip in lemon juice immediately to prevent darkening).
• If pears are canned, drain well.
• Cut grapes in half, removing the seeds if necessary.
• Mix the cream cheese with the cream or mayonnaise.
• Place the pear, cut side down, on a plate.
• Cover the pear with the cream cheese mixture.
• Cover the surface of the pear with the grapes, placing the cut side down.
• Place a grape leaf on each salad plate.
• Place on pear decorated with grapes on each grape leaf, cut side down.
• The finished pear should resemble a bunch of grapes.
• Top with a dollop of mayonnaise if desired.

FENNEL-PEAR SALAD WITH GRAPES AND PECANS

Steps:

• Whisk 2 tablespoons white wine vinegar and 1 tablespoon each dijon mustard and mayonnaise. Gradually whisk in 1/4 cup olive oil; season with salt and pepper. Toss with 1 thinly sliced pear, 1/2 thinly sliced fennel bulb and 1 cup each halved grapes and sliced celery. Top with chopped toasted pecans and some chopped fennel fronds.

CASHEW-PEAR TOSSED SALAD

Steps:

• In a large salad bowl, combine the romaine, cheese, cashews, pear and cranberries. In a small bowl, whisk the vinaigrette ingredients. Drizzle over salad and toss to coat.

CURRIED CASHEW, PEAR, AND GRAPE SALAD

Steps:

• In a large, dry skillet over medium-high heat, toast cashews until golden brown, about 5 minutes. Remove cashews to a dish to cool slightly.
• Return skillet to medium-high heat, cook bacon strips until crisp on both sides, about 7 minutes. Remove bacon with a slotted spoon, and soak up grease with a paper towel. Coarsely chop bacon, and set aside.
• In a medium bowl, stir together butter, rosemary, curry powder, brown sugar, salt, cayenne pepper, and toasted cashews. Set aside.
• In a small bowl, stir together white wine vinegar, mustard, and honey. Slowly whisk in olive oil, and sprinkle with salt and pepper to taste.
• In a large salad bowl, toss dressing with greens, pear slices, grapes, and bacon, and sprinkle with nut mixture.

ARUGULA SALAD WITH PEARS, OVEN-DRIED GRAPES, AND ROASTED-SHALLOT VINAIGRETTE

Steps:

• Preheat oven to 250°F. Line rimmed baking sheet with parchment. Arrange grapes in single layer on baking sheet. Drizzle with 3 teaspoons olive oil; toss to coat. Place shallots on sheet of heavy-duty foil; drizzle with 1 teaspoon oil. Enclose in foil; place in small baking dish. Bake until shallots are very soft, about 1 1/2 hours, and grapes are shriveled and lightly caramelized, about 2 1/2 hours. Cool. Do ahead: Can be made 2 days ahead. Cover separately; chill. Bring to room temperature before using.
• Combine shallots and accumulated juices, vinegar, and honey in blender and puree. Season with salt and pepper.
• With blender running, gradually blend in remaining 3/4 cup oil. Do ahead: Can be made 1 day ahead. Cover; chill. Bring to room temperature before serving.
• Toss arugula in large bowl with enough dressing to coat. Divide among plates. Top with pears and grapes. Sprinkle with cracked pepper and serve.