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the finished pear salad
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Autumn Pear Salad Recipe

Total Time30 minutes
Servings: 4

Ingredients

For the candied pecans:

  • 1 Tablespoon of butter
  • ¼ Cup of granulated sugar
  • 1 Cup of pecan halves

For the dressing:

  • ¼ Cup of apple cider vinegar
  • ⅓ Cup of extra virgin olive oil
  • 1 Tablespoon of honey or maple syrup
  • 1 Tablspoon of dijon mustard
  • ½ Teaspoon of salt
  • ¼ Teaspoon of black pepper
  • ¼ Teaspoon of poppy seeds

Remaining ingredients for the salad:

  • 5 oz. or about 6 cups of mixed salad greens
  • 2 Pears sliced thin with the stem and seeds removed
  • ⅓ Cup of dried sweetened cranberries

Instructions

  • Make the candied pecans: Add the butter and sugar to a non-stick skillet/pan. Place over medium heat and stir until the butter has melted and the sugar has slightly dissolved. Toss in the pecans and stir so that they are coated in the butter and sugar mixture. Continue to cook and stir for another 2 to 5 minutes or until the sugar has completely melted and has turned into a glassy coating that covers the pecans. Immediately transfer the candied pecans to a sheet of parchment paper. Quickly use a couple of spoons to separate each pecan as much as possible or else they can form large clumps as they cool.
  • Allow the candied pecans to cool completely, roughly 10 to 20 minutes.
  • Make the dressing: Add all of the ingredients for the salad dressing into a medium-sized bowl. Whisk these ingredients for about a minute, or until they are thoroughly incorporated.
  • Assemble the salad: Get out a large mixing bowl and add the salad greens, pears, cranberries, and candied pecans to it. Pour some of the salad dressing into the bowl and toss everything until coated. Taste and add more dressing if you prefer.
  • Serve and enjoy!