Spinach, Pear and Caramelized Almond Salad

Caramelized almonds add a sweet nutty crunch to this spinach and pear salad.

📝 Ingredients

• Caramelized Almonds
• 1 tablespoon Land O Lakes® Butter
• 1/2 cup slivered almonds
• 3 tablespoons sugar
• Salad
• 1 (5-ounce) package fresh baby spinach leaves or mixed salad greens
• 1 medium (1 1/2 cups) pear, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 3 ounces (3/4 cup) crumbled blue cheese
• Dressing
• 3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
• 2 tablespoons honey
• 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
• 1 tablespoon finely chopped shallot *
• 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
• 1/8 teaspoon coarse ground pepper

👨‍🍳 Instructions

1. 1Melt butter in 10-inch skillet until sizzling; add almonds and 1 tablespoon sugar. Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, 3-4 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 parchment paper; cool completely. Break clusters of nuts into pieces.
2. 2Place all salad ingredients into large bowl; toss to combine.
3. 3Combine all dressing ingredients in small bowl with wire whisk until well blended. Pour dressing over salad; toss to coat. Sprinkle with almonds. Serve immediately.