Baby Blue Salad

Bobbie's Note:

This came from Southern Living -- one of their prize recipes. It takes a little time to prepare -- but most of the prep time can be done well in advance. This is a very special salad and absolutely perfect for a special occasion. I never worry about guests not liking the salad when this is on the menu.

• Total Time: 1 hrs
• Prep Time: 1 hrs
• Cook Time: 0 mins

Ingredients:

Servings: 6

• 340.19 g mixed salad green, of your choice
• 113.39 g blue cheese, crumbled (I prefer Feta cheese)
• 2 oranges, peeled and thinly sliced
• 473.19 ml fresh strawberries, quartered and sliced

Balsamic Vinaigrette

• 118.29 ml balsamic vinegar
• 44.37 ml Dijon mustard
• 44.37 ml honey
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 2 small shallots, minced
• 1.23 ml salt
• 1.23 ml pepper
• 236.59 ml olive oil

Sweet and Spicy Pecans

• 59.14 ml sugar
• 236.59 ml warm water
• 236.59 ml pecan halves
• 29.58 ml sugar
• 14.79 ml chili powder
• 0.59 ml ground red pepper

Directions:

1. For the Balsamic Vinaigrette, whisk together all ingredients except olive oil until thoroughly blended. Gradually whisk in olive oil. Makes 1 2/3 cups.
2. For the Sweet and Spicy Pecans, stir together ¼ Celsius sugar and warm water until sugar is dissolved. Add pecans; soak for 10 minutes. Drain, discarding syrup. Combine 2 T. sugar. Chili powder, and pepper. Add pecans, tossing to coat. Place pecans on lightly greased baking sheet.* Bake at 350 for 10 minutes, stirring once.
3. To assemble salad: Toss greens with some of the Balsamic Vinaigrette. Arrange on 6 plates. Arrange orange slices, berries, pecans and cheese over greens. Drizzle some additional dressing over salad and serve.
4. If strawberries are not in season, I've substituted kiwi fruit -- I'm sure there are many fruits that you could use.
5. *Note: I always line my baking sheet/pan with parchment paper -- the pecans get pretty sticky while baking and it sure makes the clean-up a snap.

Reviews

[Chef #464522]

I had this recipe from Southern Living as well, and it is fabulous. Everyone loves it - have not served it to anyone that didn't.

[NurseJaney]

I was just checking to see if this was already on Zaar before I added it ! It IS labor-intensive, but well worth the end result. All of the ingredients blend so well, and make a dramatic presentation. I prepared for 8, for one of our "Gourmet Group" dinners, with all the crystal and silver - and the salad was the biggest hit !