Mixed Greens Salad with Pears, Beets and Blackberry Vinaigrette

Mixed Greens Salad with Pears, Beets and Blackberry Vinaigrette

 

To capitalize on great-tasting fall seasonal ingredients, try this wonderful Mixed Greens Salad with Pears, Beets, and Blackberry Vinaigrette. It is always a hit at my gatherings. Fruity pears join with a few favorite companions – fresh beets, nuts, and blue cheese to tantalize the taste buds. For the blackberry vinaigrette, use a good quality blackberry balsamic. If none is available, substitute a traditional balsamic, fig, or sherry vinegar.

This salad requires a small amount of planning ahead in order to prep the beets. They can be roasted and cooled while the other salad items are being prepped, or done up to 2 days prior to assembling the salad.

 

Yield: 6 servings (1 – 1 1/2 cups each)

INGREDIENTS

2 large beets (any color; about 1 1/2 – 2 pounds before peeling)
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves (or ¼ teaspoon dried thyme)
pinch each of Kosher salt and fresh ground black pepper

4 cups cored, thinly sliced fresh pears (Bosc, Concorde or Forelle work well)
1 tablespoon lemon juice

1/2 cup extra virgin olive oil (good quality)
1/4 cup blackberry balsamic vinegar (good quality)
1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
1/2 teaspoon minced shallot
1/4 teaspoon dried basil
1/4 teaspoon Kosher salt
1/8 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

5 – 7 ounces mixed greens (any combination – spring mix, arugula, frisee, bibb, spinach)
4 ounces crumbled blue cheese
1 cup chopped nuts (hazelnuts, walnuts, pecans)

 

DIRECTIONS

Roast the Beets:

1. Preheat the oven to 400 degrees. Prepare a small baking dish by spraying with cooking spray. Set aside.
2. Strip the thyme leaves from the stems; discard stems. Set aside.
3. Remove the tops and the roots of the beets and peel each one. Cut the beets in half and place into a small mixing bowl.
4. Sprinkle the olive oil, thyme leaves, salt, and pepper over the beets. Toss to coat.
5. Transfer the beets to the prepared baking dish. Place into the oven and roast for 35 to 45 minutes, turning occasionally, until the beets are tender when pierced with a sharp knife.
6. Remove from the oven and allow to cool. When cool, cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour or up to 2 days.
7. When ready to use, slice or dice the beets.

Prepare the Pears:

1. Place the pear slices into a small bowl. Sprinkle the lemon juice over the slices and gently toss to coat.
2. Cover and chill in the refrigerator for 1 hour.

Prepare the Vinaigrette:

1. In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, vinegar, mustard, shallot and basil until emulsified.
2. Add the salt and pepper and whisk until combined. Allow flavors to blend for at least 15 minutes.
3. Use immediately or store in a tightly sealed container for up to 2 weeks.

Assemble the Salad:

1. Remove the beets and pears from the refrigerator 15 minutes prior to serving to bring them to room temperature.
2. In a large mixing bowl, place the mixed greens. Pour a small amount of the vinaigrette over top and toss to coat.  Only add enough vinaigrette to lightly coat the greens.
3. Divide the dressed greens between individual salad plates. Top each serving with the pears, beets, cheese and nuts. Drizzle a small amount of vinaigrette on top of each serving to finish.

 

 

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