CRUNCHY PEAR & CELERY SALAD

CRUNCHY PEAR & CELERY SALAD

Preparation Time: 25 minutes Level: Easy
Cook Time: 25 minutes Serves: 6


Crisp pears are tossed with Cheddar cheese and pecans
in this delicious salad.
For an Italian twist, try a good Parmesan
with some toasted pine nuts
or to go British use crumbled Stilton and toasted walnuts.
Ingredients:
•4 stalks celery, trimmed and cut in half crosswise
•2 tablespoons cider, pear, raspberry or other fruit vinegar
•2 tablespoons honey
•1/4 teaspoon salt
•2 ripe pears, preferably red Bartlett or Anjou, diced
•1 cup finely diced white Cheddar cheese
•1/2 cup chopped pecans, toasted (see Tip)
•Freshly ground pepper, to taste
•6 large leaves butterhead or other lettuce
Preparation:
1.Soak celery in a bowl of ice water for 15 minutes. Drain and pat dry. Cut into 1/2-inch pieces.
2.Whisk vinegar, honey and salt in a large bowl until blended. Add pears; gently stir to coat. Add the celery, cheese and pecans; stir to combine. Season with pepper. Divide the lettuce leaves among 6 plates and top with a portion of salad. Serve at room temperature or chilled.
Tip:
Tip: To toast chopped pecans, cook in a small dry skillet over medium-low heat, stirring constantly, until fragrant and lightly browned, 2 to 4 minutes.