Spinach Salad with Pears & Candied Pecans

Name: Spinach Salad with Pears & Candied Pecans
Prep time: 25 min
Cook time: 5 min
Total time: 30 min
Yield: 12 servings.
Ingredients: 1 tablespoon butter; 3 tablespoons brown sugar; 1 cup pecan halves; 2/3 cup canola oil; 1/2 cup sugar; 1/3 cup lemon juice; 3 tablespoons finely chopped red onion; 1 teaspoon salt; 2 packages (6 ounces each) fresh baby spinach; 2 medium pears, peeled and cubed; 3/4 cup crumbled blue cheese

A tasty combination of pears, blue cheese and spinach make this salad a standout. The sugared pecans add a nice crunch and a bit of sweetness. If you like poppy seeds, feel free to add some to the vinaigrette.—Tamara Stimpson, Zephyr, Ontario

Ingredients

1 tablespoon butter
3 tablespoons brown sugar
1 cup pecan halves
2/3 cup canola oil
1/2 cup sugar
1/3 cup lemon juice
3 tablespoons finely chopped red onion
1 teaspoon salt
2 packages (6 ounces each) fresh baby spinach
2 medium pears, peeled and cubed
3/4 cup crumbled blue cheese

Directions

In a small heavy skillet, melt butter. Add brown sugar; cook and stir over medium heat until dissolved. Add pecans; cook for 3-5 minutes or until toasted, stirring frequently. Spread onto foil to cool.
In a small bowl, whisk the oil, sugar, lemon juice, onion and salt; set aside. Just before serving, in a large salad bowl, combine the spinach, pears, cheese and candied pecans. Drizzle with dressing and toss to coat.