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.

ENDIVE AND GRAPE SALAD WITH PEAR VINAIGRETTE

Steps:

• For the pear vinaigrette: Heat the pear juice on stovetop over medium heat to reduce to 1/4 of its original amount, for 40 minutes, until caramelized. Set aside and let cool.
• In a bowl, mix the reduced pear juice, cider vinegar, maple syrup, and Dijon mustard. Slowly add the canola oil whisking constantly. Season the vinaigrette with salt, and pepper, to taste. Add a little more pear juice or water if the vinaigrette is too thick. Set aside.
• For the salad:
• In a pan, add the olive oil and toast the pine nuts on medium-high heat. Keep an eye on them because they tend to burn fast.
• Place the endives and grapes in a bowl, add the vinaigrette and mix well. Transfer the salad mixture in the serving bowls and garnish with pears, pine nuts and cheese.

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.

TOSSED PEAR AND CRANBERRY SALAD

Steps:

• Toss pears with 1/4 cup dressing. Let stand 15 min.
• Combine greens, nuts and cranberries in large bowl.
• Add pear mixture and remaining dressing; toss lightly. Serve immediately.

GORGONZOLA PEAR TOSSED SALAD

Steps:

• Preheat oven to 400°. Place pears in an ungreased 13x9-in. baking dish. Drizzle with oil and sprinkle with salt. Bake, uncovered, 25-30 minutes, basting occasionally with cooking juices., In a large salad bowl, combine greens, tomatoes, cheese and pecans. Drizzle with dressing and toss to coat. Divide among 12 serving plates; top each with two pear pieces.

PECAN-PEAR TOSSED SALAD

Steps:

• Press raspberries through a sieve, reserving juice. Discard seeds. In a bowl, whisk the oil, vinegar, sugar, pepper and reserved raspberry juice. Toss pear slices with lemon juice; drain. , In a salad bowl, combine the salad greens, pears, pecans and raspberries. Sprinkle with cheese. Drizzle with dressing.

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.

HOLIDAY POMEGRANATE, PEAR, AND GRAPE SALAD WITH CANDIED PECANS

Steps:

• Make candied pecans.
• In a large bowl, toss together the pomegranate seeds, grapes, red onion, and the blue cheese.
• Divide torn lettuce leaves among 8 salad plates, and top each salad with the fruit mixture.
• Halve and core pears and cut into 1/2-inch slices-- put a pear half, skin side up, in the center of each salad.
• Arrange candied pecans around the pears.
• Just before serving, heat balsamic vinegar, olive oil, and brown sugar in a small saucepan over medium heat, cooking and stirring until brown sugar dissolves. Off the heat, and season to taste with salt and pepper.
• Drizzle warm dressing over each salad, sprinkle with orange zest, and serve right away.