pacific northwest spinach salad

Updated on Aug 17, 2014

This spinach salad speaks to all the wonderful autumnal flavors of the Pacific Northwest. This recipe was found in several locations...seemingly stemming from epicurious.

prep time 25 Min
cook time
method No-Cook or Other
yield 8 serving(s)

Ingredients

  • DRESSING:
  • 1/2 cup extra virgin olive oil
  • 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
  • 2 teaspoons whole grain mustard
  • 1 teaspoon sugar
  • 1 teaspoon kosher or sea salt
  • - freshly ground pepper
  • SALAD
  • 1 cup thinly sliced shallot
  • 1/3 cup sweetened dried cranberries
  • 8 cups lightly packed fresh baby spinach leaves, stemmed if needed
  • 2 - firm but ripe bosc pears (do not peel), quartered lengthwise, cored, and cut into long, thin slices
  • 2/3 cup hazelnuts, toasted and chopped

How To Make pacific northwest spinach salad

  • Step 1
    To make the dressing, in a small jar with a tight-fitting lid, combine the olive oil, vinegar, mustard, sugar, salt, and pepper to taste. Cover tightly and shake vigorously to blend. Taste and adjust the seasoning. Set aside.
  • Step 2
    Place the onions in a medium bowl and cover with cold water. Let stand for 15 minutes. This crisps the onion and takes away the raw onion taste. Drain well and pat dry on paper towels.
  • Step 3
    In a small bowl, toss the cranberries with 2 tablespoons of the dressing to soften them. Set aside for 15 minutes or until ready to serve the salad.
  • Step 4
    To assemble the salad, place the spinach, onions, and pears in a large bowl. Give the remaining dressing a last-minute shake and pour over the salad. Toss to coat evenly. Arrange the salad in a large serving bowl or divide it evenly among 8 salad plates. Scatter the cranberries and hazelnuts over the top(s). Serve immediately.

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