Pomegranate, Pear, and Grape Salad With Candied Pecans

Ingredients

• 1 cup candied pecans (see my Sweet and Spicy Candied Pecans - With a Kick)
• 1 large bunch red leaf lettuce, washed, dried and torn into bite-size pieces
• 1/2 cup pomegranate seeds (from 1 pomegranate)
• 2 cups large dark seedless grapes, halved
• 1/2 cup chopped red onion
• 1/4 cup crumbled blue cheese
• 4 ripe red pears
• 1/2 cup aged balsamic vinegar
• 1/4 cup olive oil
• 4 tablespoons brown sugar
• salt and pepper, to taste
• 2 tablespoons finely minced fresh orange zest

Directions

1. 1

   Make candied pecans.

2. 2

   In a large bowl, toss together the pomegranate seeds, grapes, red onion, and the blue cheese.

3. 3

   Divide torn lettuce leaves among 8 salad plates, and top each salad with the fruit mixture.

4. 4

   Halve and core pears and cut into 1/2-inch slices-- put a pear half, skin side up, in the center of each salad.

5. 5

   Arrange candied pecans around the pears.

6. 6

   Just before serving, heat balsamic vinegar, olive oil, and brown sugar in a small saucepan over medium heat, cooking and stirring until brown sugar dissolves. Off the heat, and season to taste with salt and pepper.

7. 7

   Drizzle warm dressing over each salad, sprinkle with orange zest, and serve right away.