Candied Walnut and Pear Salad with a Lemon Poppyseed Dressing

Ingredients:

• 5 ounces (1/2 of a 10 ounce bag) spinach
• 1 can sliced pears
• 1 cup candied walnuts (find near salad toppings)
• ⅓ cup dried cranberries
• 1 large avocado
• ⅓ cup feta cheese

Lemon Poppyseed Dressing

• 4 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice
• ¼ teaspoon lemon zest
• ¼ teaspoon onion powder
• ½ teaspoon Dijon mustard, do not use regular
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• 3 tablespoons white sugar
• ⅓ cup vegetable oil
• ½ tablespoon poppyseeds

Instructions

1. Combine the lemon juice, lemon zest, onion powder, dijon mustard, salt and sugar in a blender or food processor. Blend or pulse until completely smooth. Slowly pour in the vegetable oil and blend.
2. Stir in the poppyseeds.
3. For the rest of the salad:
4. Rinse and dry the mixed greens.
5. Thoroughly drain the pears.
6. Add in the candied walnuts and dried cranberries.
7. Remove the skin and pit of an avocado and dice.
8. Toss all of the ingredients together with the dressing, add some feta cheese, and enjoy immediately.
9. If not enjoying immediately, do not add the dressing until right before eating.
10. If desired, add some grilled chicken to this salad!

Submitted By: Jenie Rainey from The Recipe Critic