Pacific Northwest Salad Recipes

PACIFIC NORTHWEST SPINACH SALAD

Steps:

• 1. To make the dressing, in a small jar with a tight-fitting lid, combine the olive oil, vinegar, mustard, sugar, salt, and pepper to taste. Cover tightly and shake vigorously to blend. Taste and adjust the seasoning. Set aside.
• 2. Place the onions in a medium bowl and cover with cold water. Let stand for 15 minutes. This crisps the onion and takes away the raw onion taste. Drain well and pat dry on paper towels.
• 3. In a small bowl, toss the cranberries with 2 tablespoons of the dressing to soften them. Set aside for 15 minutes or until ready to serve the salad.
• 4. To assemble the salad, place the spinach, onions, and pears in a large bowl. Give the remaining dressing a last-minute shake and pour over the salad. Toss to coat evenly. Arrange the salad in a large serving bowl or divide it evenly among 8 salad plates. Scatter the cranberries and hazelnuts over the top(s). Serve immediately.

PACIFIC NORTHWEST SALAD

Steps:

• In small bowl, whisk together all vinaigrette ingredients. Can be made up to 3 days ahead.
• Cut 2 of the pears ito 1/2" pieces. Melt butter in heavy medium skillet over medium heat. Add chopped pears; sprinkle with 1/4 tsp pepper and 1/8 tsp salt. Cook 4-6 minutes or until golden brown and softened. Recipe can be made to this point up to 4 hours ahead. Let stand at room temperature.
• Place cooked pears in center of 8 salad plates. In large bowl, toss salad mix with vinaigrette. Place on top of pears; sprinkle with cheese and nuts. Slice remaining 2 pears; arrange over greeens.

NORTHWEST AUTUMN SALAD

Steps:

• For dressing: Mix together oil, vinegar, shallot, syrup,lemon juice, salt and pepper until emulsified.
• To Complete the Salad: Toss together lettuces, pears, pecans, cheese and dressing.
• Serve immediately.
• For the Candied Pecans:.
• Stir together nuts, sugar, butter and salt in a heavy saucepan over medium heat, and cook, stirring constantly for 8 to 10 minutes or until sugar melts and turns golden brown.
• Spread mixture in a single layer on lightly greased waxed paper. Cool and break into pieces.