This recipe appeared on the early days of the blog, so the picture looks like it was taken in the dark and definitely doesn’t entice you to make the recipe. I’ve made it several times since then, as this is one of the simplest and tastiest salads to serve, and finally decided to re-photograph it when I made it a few weeks ago.

I think the best side salads don’t have too many ingredients. That’s definitely the case for this one, which keeps things simple with sliced pears, blue cheese, and pecans tossed with mixed greens in a basic vinaigrette. It’s not boring by any means, but it also won’t steal the show from whatever you serve as your main dish.

One Year Ago: Greens, Beans, and Chicken Panini
Two Years Ago: Coconut Pomegranate Scones
Three Years Ago: Lindsay's Chocolate Cafe Chocolate Chip Cookies

Pear, Pecan, and Blue Cheese Salad

Ingredients:
-10 cups mixed greens
-1/3 cup pecans, chopped and toasted
-2 pears, thinly sliced
-4 oz crumbled blue cheese

for the dressing
-1/4 cup sugar
-1/2 cup vegetable oil
-3 tbsp apple cider vinegar
-1/2 tsp celery seed
-salt and pepper, to taste

Directions:
1. Whisk dressing ingredients together in a small bowl and set aside.
2. Combine mixed greens with pecans, pears, and blue cheese. Just before serving, toss with dressing.