Arugula, Pear, and Blue Cheese Salad

Corey LOVED this recent Southern Living featured salad.  I really enjoyed it too.  There is something fun about homemade dressing from the Cuisinart, and it had great flavor.  I served this with Lipton Onion Roasted Potatoes and grilled chicken.  Everyone was happy.

ARUGULA, PEAR, & BLUE CHEESE SALAD

Recipe Notes

I cannot tell you how difficult it was to find pear preserves.  I had to go to THREE different grocery stores, but I eventually found them at Central Market.  The recipe calls for walnuts, but I used toasted pecans because that is what I had available.  You should have dressing left over after your meal for another night's salad.  Save it - this makes a tasty vinaigrette.

Ingredients

• 1/4 cup plus 2 tbsp. pear preserves
• 1/2 cup champagne vinegar
• 1 shallot, sliced
• 2 tsp. Dijon mustard
• 1/2 tsp. salt
• 1/4 tsp. pepper
• 1/2 cup olive oil
• 8 cups loosely packed arugula
• 2 Bartlett pears, cut into wedges (I diced mine instead of making wedges)
• 4 oz. blue cheese, crumbled
• 1/4 cup chopped toasted walnuts (I used chopped toasted pecans)

Instructions

1.  In a Cuisinart or blender, process 1/4 c. of the pear preserves, the champagne vinegar, the shallot, the Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper.

2.  With the processor running, pour oil through the food chute in a slow and steady stream, processing until smooth. 

3.  Transfer to a 2 cup measuring cup or small bowl and stir in the remaining 2 tbsp. pear preserves.

4.  Place arugula on plates or a large serving platter.  Top with pears, blue cheese, and nuts.  Drizzle with vinaigrette and serve immediately.