Roasted Pear Salad

Name: Roasted Pear Salad
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 30 min
Yield: 4 servings.
Ingredients: 2 medium pears, halved and cored; 4 teaspoons olive oil, divided; 2 tablespoons cider vinegar; 1 teaspoon water; 1 teaspoon honey; 1/4 teaspoon salt; 1/8 teaspoon white pepper; 1 package (10 ounces) mixed baby salad greens; 1 cup watercress sprigs; 1/4 cup chopped hazelnuts, toasted; 1/4 cup dried cranberries

Oven-roasted pears take the ho-hum out of this green salad created by our Test Kitchen staff. They tossed together a good-for-you medley of mellow pear slices, crispy greens, nuts and dried cranberries. The creamy dressing carries yet more pear flavor sweetened with just a touch of honey.

Ingredients

2 medium pears, halved and cored
4 teaspoons olive oil, divided
2 tablespoons cider vinegar
1 teaspoon water
1 teaspoon honey
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/8 teaspoon white pepper
1 package (10 ounces) mixed baby salad greens
1 cup watercress sprigs
1/4 cup chopped hazelnuts, toasted
1/4 cup dried cranberries

Directions

In a small bowl, toss pears with 1 teaspoon oil. Place in a 15x10x1-in. baking pan coated with cooking spray. Bake at 400° for 10 minutes. Turn pears over; bake 5-7 minutes longer or until golden and tender.
When cool enough to handle, peel pears. Thinly slice two pear halves lengthwise and set aside. Place remaining pear halves in a blender. Add the vinegar, water, honey, salt and white pepper; cover and process until smooth. While processing, gradually add the remaining oil in a steady stream.
In a large bowl, toss the salad greens, watercress, hazelnuts and cranberries. Arrange reserved pear slices on top; drizzle with dressing.