Fall salad with pears, arugula, dried figs and almonds

I love a delicious salad and am always trying to make them like the restaurants do.  I grew up in Jersey in the days when a salad consisted of Iceburg lettuce, a sad looking tomato slice, and Italian dressing.  

Well, no more!  

My salads are not low calorie but boy are they yummy!  I throw in all types of greens, nuts, a bit of cheese, and if I am ambitious, make a dressing.  If I have hummus in it, I don't even need dressing.  

So here are my top favorites for making a salad that you and your family will love at any fall celebration.

Ingredients:

Salad

*Arugula, spinach, or mixed baby greens. 

 I like to add them all together as some people find the arugula to be a bit bitter.   To me, it is an elegant leaf and I feel fancy eating it.  :)

*Pear, figs, or berries.

  I stick with pears when it is past October.  Fresh figs are my new favorite thing but they are out of season now and I can no longer find.  Dried are ok, but I stay away from dried fruit except for an occasional raison.  Berries are fabulous and I will put in all the time but they have a spring/summer feel.

*Nuts!  

Toasted walnuts and pecans are the fall nut of choice and work brilliantly.  A glazed nut will turn your salad into a festive treat but raises the sugar and calorie content.  Almonds are always a staple. My weakness is cashews but that is for my asian salads and grabbing for a snack. :)

*Cheese!  

About 8 years ago my doctor told me my cholesterol was great and I should eat more cheese.  I took that to heart.  lol.  (It's gone up a bit so maybe it's time to back off)  But I do love Gouda and soft cheese as I'm transported to Holland and France in my mind.  For the purposes of this salad, I would go with goat cheese or blue cheese.  They both provide a lot of flavor and you don't need all that much.

*Onion

A little sliced red onion is nice if you like the added flavor.  

*Pepper to taste

Dressing:

1/4 cup Olive oil, 2 tbsp.rice vinegar, 1 tbsp. lemon juice, 1 garlic clove, 1 shallot, a bit of honey or maple syrup @2 tbsp, and salt and/or pepper to taste.  Combine in a blender or mini food processor. 

Play around with these ideas and don't go crazy with the nuts and cheese if you are watching your weight.  A little will make it feel gourmet and provide some fat so that you are satiated.  I throw in grilled chicken when I am having this for a meal.  It is very important to keep up your protein.  Hummus works for vegetarians.  I like to have a gluten free cracker on the side or freshly baked bread.  I am getting hungry already!  Enjoy.  

xo Jamie