Fall Salad Made Better with Oliver Wine

September 18, 2012 by Heather Tallman with 2 comments

 

In honor of Oliver Winery’s upcoming Harvest Wine Festival on Saturday September 22, I am sharing one of my favorite Fall salads.  I made this vinaigrette using their crisp, clean Pinot Grigio.  Using ripe pears, fresh green beans and spinach, this salad has everything you are looking for. Crispy, crunchy, salty and sweet.  Not to mention it is easy on the waistline!

 

Green bean, Spinach and Pear Salad with Pinot Grigio Vinaigrette

I like to add Craisins to this salad. You can also use a Chardonnay or dry Riesling if you prefer. I just like the taste the Pinot Grigio gives the dressing.

Ingredients

  • Vinaigrette:
  • 1/2 C peeled ripe pear, chopped
  • 6 TB dry white wine , I used Oliver Winery's Pinot Grigio
  • 3 TB fresh lemon juice
  • 1 large shallot, chopped
  • 1 clove garlic, chopped
  • 1 tsp Dijon Mustard
  • 1/2 salad oil, something light
  • salt/pepper to taste
  • Salad Base:
  • 1/2 lb of fresh green beans, trimmed
  • 6 C of packed baby spinach leaves
  • 3 ripe pears, such as Bartlett or Red, sliced thin
  • 3/4 to 1 C of crumbled bleu cheese
  • 3/4 C toasted walnuts (optional)

Instructions

  1. In a small food processor or blender, puree all vinaigrette ingredients until smooth.
  2. Transfer to serving bowl and season if needed.
  3. Season if needed.
  4. Blanch beans in boiling water until firm to the bite.
  5. Drain and add to a bowl of cold water to retain crispness and color.
  6. Drain well.
  7. Toss green beans,spinach, pears with enough dressing to coat.
  8. Add in the bleu cheese and walnuts.
  9. Serve immediately.
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    Comments

  • Paul Wagoner


    Looking to make this salad this weekend and sounds awesome! I am needing enough for 4 people. Are the proportions in this recipe satisfactory for 4?

    Thank you!

    • Kimby


      By my calculations, this would definitely feed four! (1-1/2 cups spinach per person, plus nearly a whole pear apiece, and all the other goodies — bleu cheese, walnuts, green beans, etc.) Get out the big bowls. :) I agree with you, Paul — it sounds awesome!

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