Spinach Salad with Pear and Avocado

Time: About 10 minutes

Yield: 4 servings

Dressing

½ cup vegetable oil
⅓ cup seasoned rice vinegar
1 tablespoon fresh lime juice
1 tablespoon minced fresh cilantro
¼ teaspoon garlic powder
Pinch of cayenne pepper

Salad

6-ounces baby spinach, stems removed
1 ripe Anjou pear, peeled, cubed
1 avocado, pitted, peeled, cubed
½ small red onion, thinly sliced
½ cup crumbled Gorgonzola cheese (about 2 ounces)

Whisk the 6 ingredients of the dressing in a medium bowl to blend. Season to taste with salt and pepper.

For the sale, mix spinach, pear, avocado and onion in a large bowl. Toss with enough dressing to coat. Sprinkle with Gorgonzola cheese. Serve, passing any remaining dressing separately.


Notes

Dressing can be prepared 1 day ahead. Cover and refrigerate. Bring to room temperature before using.

Adapted from Bon Appetit, December 1995


Tags: salads