Harvest Salad!

This "Harvest Salad" is a little different than a typical mixed salad, because it does have a base of salad greens but the rest of it is fruit and nuts.  The combination is just delicious and it's also very healthy!   The homemade dressing is also really good on this and easy to whip up.  This salad is very flexible so feel free use the fruits your family likes best or you have available in your area.

 Here is what you will need for this yummy salad:

5-6 cups romaine lettuce, chopped (baby spinach also works well in this)

2 cups Swiss cheese, shredded (could use cheddar )

1 pear, cored and diced

1 apple, cored and diced

1 Tbs. lemon juice

1 cup Craisins dried cranberries

1 cup walnuts, chopped and lightly toasted

1 cup fresh blueberries

1 cup fresh strawberries, sliced

5-6 slices bacon, cooked crisp and crumbled

Dressing

1/3 cup lemon juice

3/4 cup honey (can use sugar substitute)

3/4 cup vegetable or canola oil

2 tsp. Dijon mustard

1/4 cup chopped onion

2 tsp. poppy seeds

1/4 tsp. salt

1/4 tsp. garlic powder

1/4 tsp. pepper

In a large salad bowl layer the romaine lettuce and cheese.  Toss the diced pear and apple with the 1 Tbs. of lemon juice and then layer it on top of the cheese.  Next layer Craisins, walnuts, blueberries, strawberries and bacon. 

In a blender blend the lemon juice, honey, oil and Dijon mustard until emulsified.  Add the chopped onion, poppy seeds, salt, garlic powder and pepper.  Blend again until smooth.    This dressing will keep in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks.

I like to serve the dressing on the side and let everyone dress their own to their liking, but you can dress the entire salad at the table right before serving also! 

This is such a pretty salad and it's special enough for your holiday meals or add more bacon and some grilled chicken and make a main dish out of it!