Saturday, July 23, 2011

Winter Fruit Salad with Lemon Poppyseed Dressing

Wonderful salad for  family gatherings, carry-ins, or the holiday season.


      ½ cup white sugar

½ cup lemon juice

2 teaspoons diced onion

1 teaspoon Dijon-style mustard

½ teaspoon salt

2/3 cup vegetable oil
      1 tablespoon poppy seeds

       1/2  small red onion, sliced thin (optional)

1 head romaine lettuce, torn into bite-size pieces (or mixed or red leaf)

4 ounces Feta or Swiss Cheese

1 cup cashews or pecans (roasted is best, sugared is even better!)

¼ cup dried cranberries

1 apple - peeled, cored and diced

1 pear - peeled, cored and sliced

In a blender or food processor, or with a hand mixer, combine sugar, lemon juice, onion, mustard, and salt. Process until well blended. With machine still running, add oil in a slow, steady stream until mixture is thick and smooth. Add poppy seeds, and process just a few seconds more to mix.

In a large serving bowl, toss together the romaine lettuce, shredded Swiss cheese, cashews, dried cranberries, apple, and pear. Pour dressing over salad just before serving, and toss to coat.