Spinach And Lentil Salad With Oregon Blue Cheese And Tart Cherry Vinaigrette Recipes

SPINACH SALAD WITH BLUE CHEESE

Steps:

• Place dressing ingredients in a sealed jar or cruet and shake well to mix.
• Toss all the salad ingredients to mix well.
• Do not add dressing until just before serving.

SPINACH AND LENTIL SALAD WITH OREGON BLUE CHEESE AND TART CHERRY VINAIGRETTE

Steps:

• In a heavy saucepan cover lentils with water by 2 inches and simmer until just tender but not falling apart, about 15 minutes. Drain lentils well in a sieve. Rinse lentils under cold running water to stop cooking and drain well. In a bowl toss lentils with 2 tablespoons vinegar and salt and pepper to taste. (Lentils may be made 2 days ahead and chilled, covered. Bring lentils to room temperature before proceeding.)
• In a skillet cook bacon over moderate heat until crisp and with tongs transfer to paper towels to drain. Crumble bacon.
• In cleaned saucepan heat 2 tablespoons oil over moderate heat until hot but not smoking and cook shallot, stirring, until golden brown. Stir in water, cherries, sugar, and remaining 5 tablespoons vinegar and simmer, stirring occasionally, until liquid is reduced by about half, about 10 minutes. Reduce heat to low and whisk in remaining 2 tablespoons oil in a slow stream until emulsified. Season vinaigrette with salt and pepper.
• Add half of vinaigrette to lentils and toss well. In another bowl toss spinach with half of lentil mixture, half of bacon, half of cheese, remaining vinaigrette, and salt and pepper to taste.
• Divide remaining lentil mixture among 6 plates and top with spinach mixture. Sprinkle salads with remaining bacon and cheese.

SPINACH AND GOAT CHEESE SALAD WITH BEETROOT VINAIGRETTE

Steps:

• In small saucepan over medium heat, cook and stir the walnuts and sugar until walnuts are lightly browned and sugar is caramelized. Thoroughly coat the walnuts with the sugar.
• In a blender or food processor, blend the beets with cider vinegar, bouillon granules, garlic powder, sugar, salt, and pepper. Gradually blend in the oil.
• In a large bowl, toss together the sugar-coated walnuts and spinach. Before serving, drizzle with the blended beat mixture, toss, and sprinkle with goat cheese.

SPINACH AND BLUE CHEESE SALAD WITH CIDER VINAIGRETTE

Steps:

• To make the Cider Vinaigrette: Combine vinegar, mustard, honey, salt and pepper in small bowl. Whisk in oil and 2 T water. Stir in shallots.
• To make Salad: Place sunflower seeds in medium-sized skillet. Toast over medium heat 5 to 6 minutes, or until browned and fragrant, shaking pan often. Transfer to small bowl and cool.
• Just before serving, toss spinach, sliced apple, crumbled cheese and cooled sunflower seeds with vinaigrette.