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1
Make the vinaigrette: combine oil, vinegar, salt, and pepper in a blender; turn the.
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2
machine on; a creamy emulsion will form within 30 seconds; taste and add more.
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3
vinegar a teaspoon at a time until the balance tastes right to you.
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4
Add in shallot, if using, and turn the machine on and off a few times until the shallot is minced within the dressing; taste, adjust seasoning; serve at room temperature.
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5
Make the salad: peel and core the fruit; if large, cut fruit into 1/2 inch chunks.
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6
Toss the fruit with the lemon juice; cover and refrigerate for up to 2 hours.
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7
Crumble the cheese into small bits; cover and refrigerate until needed.
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8
Place the nuts in a dry skillet, turn the heat to medium, and toast then, shaking the pan frequently until they are aromatic and beginning to darken in color, 3-5 minutes.
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9
When you are ready to serve, toss the pears, cheese, and greens together with as much of the dressing as you like.
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10
Chop the nuts coarsely, sprinkle them over all and serve.
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11
Other good fruit, cheese, and nut combinations.
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12
*grapes, parmesan, pine nuts.
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13
*oranges, manchego, almonds.
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14
*apricots, goat cheese, pecans.
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15
*dried apricots, blue cheese, walnuts.
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16
*cantaloupe or honeydew, cotija, pepitas.
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17
*blueberries, asiago, pistachios.
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18
*dried plums, feta, hazelnuts.
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19
*dried pineapple, Brie, cashews.
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20
*peaches, ricotta salata, pecans.
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21
*plums, fontina, almonds.