Spice Up Your Salad

Salads are a great choice for lunch or dinner–they are easy to make and great for you, too. So why do so many people steer clear of them? Because they don't know how to vamp up the standard (boring) garden salad. Old veggies and storebought dressing can bring down both the healthiness and the taste of your greens, so change it up with some fresh fruit, nuts and homemade vinaigrette. This is a very quick and easy recipe to follow, and you can even add some grilled chicken to add more protein to your meal. 

Pear & Walnut Salad (Serves 2)

-4 cups mixed salad greens
-12 cherry tomatoes, halved
-1/4 onion, diced
-1 pear
-1/4 cup dried cranberries
-1/4 cup walnuts 

Lemon Honey Vinaigrette (Makes 1/2 cup)

-1/4 cup lemon juice
-1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
-1 TBSP Dijon mustard
-1 TBSP honey
-1 clove garlic, minced
-Salt and pepper, to taste 

-Core the pear and cut into slivers. Rub the exposed fruit with lemon to keep from turning brown.
-Combine lemon juice, EVOO, honey, garlic, salt and pepper in a small tupperware. Add the Dijon mustard, put a lid on the tupperware, and shake to blend the vinaigrette.  
-Mix greens, tomatoes, onion, pear, cranberries and walnuts in a salad bowl. Dress with vinaigrette and toss. 

–Lindsay Putnam