This is one of my favorite salads to make (and only 1 WW point per serving). I think the flavor always surprises people because at a glance it looks unassuming; greens, red onion, and toasted walnuts. What's the big deal? The dressing has a great vanilla flavor that you rarely find in a salad--and it works beautifully. Just combine the indredients, zap it in the food processor, and it's done! This dressing makes enough for triple the recipe, so I was able to make another salad last night with what I had left from Sunday (using pecans instead), and served it with store bought sushi.
Mixed Salad with Vanilla-Pear Vinaigrette and Toasted Walnuts
Recipe Note: "Canned pears and pre-chopped greens make this tasty salad convenient. To cut prep time, toast the walnuts in the microwave at HIGH for three minutes or until done."
Ingredients for Vinaigrette
1 (15-ounce) can pear halves in juice, undrained
1/3 cup white wine vinegar
1 tablespoon honey
3/4 teaspoon kosher salt
1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract (I always use 1/2t to 1t for a more noticeable flavor)
Dash of ground red pepper
To prepare dressing, drain pears, reserving 1/3 cup pear juice. Combine pears, juice, vinegar, and remaining ingredients in a blender; process until smooth.
Ingredients for Complete Salad
1 cup vertically sliced red onion
2 (10-ounce) packages Mediterranean-style salad
2/3 cup Vanilla-Pear Vinaigrette
1/4 cup chopped walnuts, toasted
Preparation
To prepare salad, combine onion and lettuce mix in a large bowl. Add Vanilla-Pear Vinaigrette, and toss well. Sprinkle with walnuts.
Note: Nutritional analysis includes Vanilla-Pear Vinaigrette.
Nutritional Information
CALORIES 55(38% from fat); FAT 2.3g (sat 0.2g,mono 0.5g,poly 1.5g); PROTEIN 1.8g; CHOLESTEROL 0.0mg; CALCIUM 20mg; SODIUM 73mg; FIBER 2.9g; IRON 0.4mg; CARBOHYDRATE 8.1g
Yield: 8 servings (serving size: 2 cups)
Cooking Light DECEMBER 2005
