Winter is drawing to a close and I decided it was high time to come up with a new cold weather salad. This is a salad that looks and tastes like winter. It's almost enough to make me stop longing for tomatoes and basil. Almost.



This salad features three classic winter ingredients: pears, pecans and maple syrup. The cheddar and Boston lettuce complement them beautifully.

Like these photos? I should mention that I won this set of five hand-carved bowls from Theresa over at Food Hunter's Guide. Doesn't this beautiful salad highlight their magnificent wood grain?

Winter Salad
Substitute crumbled goat cheese for the cheddar if you like. 


DRESSING
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 teaspoon balsamic vinegar
1 teaspoon maple syrup
juice and zest of half a lemon
salt and pepper to taste

SALAD
1 head Boston or butter lettuce
1 pear, chopped or cut in wedges
a handful of toasted pecans (or use candied pecans if you have any handy; I always do)
2 oz. orange cheddar cheese, cut in cubes

First, prepare the dressing. Combine all the ingredients and mix well with a fork.

Combine the lettuce and pears in a large bowl. Toss with the dressing. Serve the salad into individual salad bowls and then garnish with pecans and cheese cubes.

Serve immediately.


Linking this up to Weekend Bloggy Reading!