Nutty Pear Salad - cooking recipe

Ingredients

2/3 cup pecans or 2/3 cup walnuts
4 tablespoons sugar, divided
2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
1 garlic clove, minced
3 1/2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
salt and pepper
1 (6 ounce) bag mixed baby lettuces and spring greens or 1 head bibb lettuce, torn into bite-sized pieces
2 red pears, peeled, cored and sliced
3/4 cup crumbled gorgonzola or 3/4 cup blue cheese
1 avocado, pitted peeled and sliced
1/4 cup thinly sliced green onion

Preparation

In a skillet over medium heat combine pecans and 3 tablespoons sugar. Cook and stir until the sugar melts and caramelizes about 3-4 minutes. Carefully transfer coated pecans to a sheet of wax paper or foil. Let cool; break into pieces.
Meanwhile, for the dressing, in a small bowl whisk together vinegar, mustard, garlic and remaining 1 tablespoon sugar. Slowly whisk in oil. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
In a large serving bowl layer lettuce, pears, blue cheese, avocado and green onions. Add dressing; toss to coat. Sprinkle with cooled pecans and serve.