Spinach, Pear & Almond Salad

Ingredients

Caramelized Almonds
1 tablespoon Land O Lakes® Butter
1/2 cup slivered almonds
3 tablespoons sugar
Salad
3/4 cup (3 ounces) crumbled blue cheese
2 medium (3 cups) pears, cut into bite-sized pieces
1 (6-ounce) package pre-washed baby spinach or mixed lettuce greens
Salad Dressing
1 tablespoon finely chopped shallot*
3 tablespoons olive oil
2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
2 tablespoons honey
1 teaspoon Dijon-style mustard
1/8 teaspoon coarse ground pepper

Directions

• Melt butter in 10-inch skillet until sizzling; add almonds and 1 tablespoon sugar. Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, 4-5 minutes or until sugar melts and nuts are golden brown. (Watch closely to prevent burning.) Remove from heat; stir in remaining 2 tablespoons sugar. Quickly spread onto waxed paper; cool completely. Break clusters of nuts into pieces. 
• Place all salad ingredients in large bowl; toss to combine.
• Combine all salad dressing ingredients in small bowl with wire whisk until well blended. Pour dressing over salad; toss to coat. Sprinkle with almonds. Serve immediately.

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