Pear Blue Cheese Salad

This is one of the best salads I’ve ever eaten, we make it all the time. It is tangy from the blue cheese, fruity from the pears, and crunchy from the caramelised pecan nuts. The mustard vinaigrette just pulls it all together.

To make Pear Blue Cheese Salad, you will need:

• • Salad leaves of your choice
  • 3 pears, peeled, cored and chopped
  • 125g blue cheese, crumbled
  • 1 avocado, peeled, pitted, and diced
  • 1/2 cup thinly sliced spring onions
  •  1/4 cup sugar
  • 1/2 cup pecans
  • 1/3 cup olive oil
  • 3 tablespoons red wine vinegar
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons sugar
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons mustard
  • 1 clove garlic, chopped
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • freshly ground black pepper to taste

How to make Pear Blue Cheese Salad:

1. In a frypan over medium heat, stir 1/4 cup of sugar together with the pecans. Continue stirring gently until sugar has melted and caramelised the pecans. Carefully transfer nuts onto waxed paper. Allow to cool, and break into pieces.
2. For the dressing, blend oil, vinegar, 1 1/2 teaspoons sugar, mustard, chopped garlic, salt, and pepper.
3. In a large serving bowl, layer lettuce, pears, blue cheese, avocado, and green onions. Pour dressing over salad, sprinkle with pecans, and serve.