Four "P" Salad

We're still trying to finish up a package of prosciutto, and since there's a lone pear in the refrigerator along with some arugula, this combination sounded perfect for our dinner salad. I looked at several recipes (here, here, and here) for ideas. Feel free to vary the types of nuts and cheese! However, in order to combine those dressing ideas, I found this one to try; hopefully these ratios work out well. They did. This was a very delicious salad; the mix of flavors and tastes was wonderful and refreshing.

Pear-Prosciutto-Pecan-Parmesan Salad

Place a large handful of arugula on a plate and top with sliced pears, pieces of prosciutto, and toasted pecans. Drizzle with some dressing (below) and garnish with Parmesan.

Honey Balsamic Dressing

• 1/4 cup olive oil
• 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
• 1/2 tablespoon Dijon mustard (or less)
• 1/2 tablespoon honey
• 1/4 teaspoon minced garlic, optional
• 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt
• 1/4 teaspoon freshly cracked pepper

Combine all ingredients. Shake well.

After using this dressing for a couple of meals, there was one more serving left. However, since there are two of us, that's not enough. I added a bit of mayonnaise and turned it into Creamy Balsamic Dressing. I used our last slice of prosciutto, omitted the nuts and substituted feta for the Parmesan and romaine for the arugula, but this version of the salad was just as delicious as the first one. Isn't it nice to have recipes that are flexible and adaptable?

This made a great Christmas feast salad, as well, substituting pomegranate arils for the prosciutto, and using white balsamic vinegar (idea from this site). Maybe it deserves its own post, but for now, here it will stay. Oh, and we added some cucumber, green onion and mandarin oranges along with the pears and pomegranate.

Holiday Salad Vinaigrette

• 1/4 cup olive oil
• 1/4 cup white balsamic vinegar
• 2 tablespoons maple syrup or honey
• 1 tablespoon dijon mustand
• 1/4 teaspoon salt

Combine all ingredients! Serve over mixed greens with pomegranate, pears, mandarin oranges, feta cheese and candied nuts.