Sweet Pecan Pear Salad

Source: Victoria Blanchard

Servings: 4-6
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Baking/Cook Time: 5 minutes (for edamame)
Total Time: 15 minutes

Ingredients

• 1 package of fresh spinach
• 1-2 fresh pears
• 1 package of frozen edamame
• 1 c. pecans (plain or candied)
  
• 1 c. dried cranberries
• Honey to taste
  

Directions

Steam edamame as instructed on package. (I steam the bag in the microwave.) Remove beans from the pod.

Slice pears very thin and cut each slice 2-3 times to get bite-sized chunks.

Using your hands, break pecans into small pieces.

Layer or arrange all ingredients in a large bowl or on individual plates. Drizzle honey over the salad for dressing.

Serve immediately or store in fridge up to one day.

Comments: This is currently my favorite salad. It is so good, I can't believe I came up with it! I love that the honey stands in for the dressing. Although there is a lot of sugar in this salad, at least it comes from natural sources and there is no need to put on a dressing loaded with fat or preservatives. Honestly, this salad tastes like candy. Once I start eating it, I can't stop! Also note that the ingredient quantities are approximations. I don't measure them out; just do what looks good to you. Also, toasted almonds are a good stand in for the pecans, and I haven't tried it yet, but I think dried cherries (or even golden raisins) would be a great stand in for the dried cranberries. Also, be aware that if you store the salad for more than a day, the honey starts to wilt the spinach a bit.