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Pears juice up summer salad

Associated Press
Published August 18, 2004

The Bartlett Pear and Spinach Salad was created by grower Joanne Wiseman of Walnut Grove, Calif. The salad makes for a good side dish or can stand alone as a light lunch.

Bartlett Pear and Spinach Salad

For the salad:

10-ounce package washed and ready-to-eat fresh spinach

2 to 3 large ripe Bartlett pears, cored, quartered and sliced

1 avocado, peeled and diced

3 to 4 strips bacon, cooked crisp and crumbled

1/2 cup pine nuts or other nut, toasted

1/2 cup dried cranberries

1/4 cup fresh mushrooms, optional

For the dressing:

1/3 cup olive oil

2 tablespoons seasoned rice vinegar

1 clove garlic, crushed

1/4 teaspoon salt

1 to 2 teaspoons Dijon mustard, to taste

Combine spinach, pears, avocado, bacon, nuts, cranberries and mushrooms in salad bowl. In a small bowl, whisk all dressing ingredients and drizzle over salad. Toss before serving. Serves 6 as a side dish.

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