Pear and Cranberry Chopped Salad


SERVES 4 TO 6

Chopped dried cherries can be substituted for the cranberries.

1

cucumber, peeled, halved lengthwise, seeded, and cut into ½-inch dice (about 1¼ cups)

Table salt

3

tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil

3

tablespoons sherry vinegar

1

red bell pepper, stemmed, seeded, and cut into ¼-inch pieces (about 1 cup)

1

ripe but firm pear, cut into ¼-inch pieces (about 1 cup)

½

small red onion, minced (about ¼ cup)

½

cup dried cranberries

1

romaine heart, cut into ½-inch pieces (about 3 cups)

4

ounces blue cheese, crumbled (about 1 cup)

½

cup pistachios, toasted and chopped coarse

Ground black pepper

1. Combine the cucumber and ½ teaspoon salt in a colander set over a bowl and drain for 15 minutes.

2. Whisk the oil and vinegar together in a large bowl. Add the drained cucumber, bell pepper, pear, onion, and cranberries. Toss and let stand at room temperature to blend the flavors, 5 minutes.

3. Add the romaine, blue cheese, and pistachios and toss to combine. Season with salt and pepper to taste and serve.