Pear & Bleu Cheese Salad

As a kid my parents had to beg and plead with me to finish my salad. Now, as an adult, I have grown to like them a bit more, though I'll admit they're not the first thing I reach for when I want to eat healthier. I no longer have the Golden Retriever sitting next to me willing to eat any table scrap I offer him, but I do have other secrets for getting my daily dose of greens.

One of them is this recipe from my boyfriend's mother. Who knew that adding a pear and some bleu cheese to a typical salad would make me actually request this dish at family get-togethers?

What you'll need:

For the dressing

3 tbsp fresh lemon juice

1 tbsp Dijon mustard

1 medium shallot, minced

1 1/2 tsp chopped fresh thyme

1/2 cup olive oil

For the salad

1 5-ounce bag mixed baby greens (baby spinach works too)

2 large ripe pears -- halved, cored and thinly sliced

1 cup crumbled bleu cheese

1 cup walnuts, coarsely chopped

Salt & pepper to taste

Whisk dressing together and pour over greens and pears. Crumble bleu cheese and walnuts over top and serve. Add some chopped grilled chicken breast and you have yourself a full meal!

Lindsey Doolittle is the sassy voice behind "L's Fashion Dish," a lifestyle blog showcasing her personal style, shopping tips and favorite recipes. When she's not baking or blogging, you'll find her exploring Boston, one restaurant at a time. You can check out her blog at http://LsFashionDish.blogspot.com.