Pear and pineapple salad with sesame dressing.

What gave me the inspiration for this salad was a ripe pear that was sitting on my kitchen counter, and in the refrigerator, the remains of a fresh pineapple.

I had prepared a baked casserole for dinner and wanted a light citrusy, fruity salad to go with it.  So, out of the refrigerator came some lettuce–iceberg and romaine, the pineapple, crumbled goat cheese and from my cupboard, some dried cranberries  because this salad seemed to need a pop of color.

 So, I started by chopping a mixture of lettuces and made a bottom layer on salad plates.  Then I placed a slice of pineapple on top of the lettuce and cut it into wedges.  Over that I put pear slices, arranged in spoke fashion, scattered a few dried cranberries on it, and crumbled the goat cheese on top.  Very pretty!   Now,  what to use for dressing??

Something with an Asian flavor, I thought.  Thumbing quickly through one of my vegetarian books, I found this recipe for a sesame dressing.  Yes, perfect!   The dark sesame oil, the sesame seeds and rice wine vinegar provided an interesting flavor that paired especially well with the fruits and lettuces.  Sometimes the greatest ingredients just seem to find each other and blend so well.  I’m recording this recipe here so I don’t forget it.  Keep it in mind when you want a light, refreshing, fruity salad with a subtle Asian flair.

PEAR AND PINEAPPLE SALAD WITH SESAME DRESSING

Makes 2 salads.  Adjust ingredients accordingly for more.

Ingredients:

• 2 – 3 leaves iceberg lettuce, and 2 – 3 leaves romaine lettuce.  Heavy ribs removed, leaves sliced into ribbons.
• 2 slices fresh cored pineapple cut into wedges
• 1 ripe fresh pear, cored and quartered, and sliced
• 2 tablespoons dried cranberries
• 2 tablespoon crumbled goat cheese

For the salad dressing:    Makes 3/4 cup

• 1 tablespoon sesame seeds
• 1/2 cup peanut oil, or vegetable oil
• 1  1/2 tablespoons sesame oil
• 2  1/2 tablespoons rice wine vinegar
• 1/2 teaspoon low-sodium soy sauce
• dash of salt to taste

Combine all the dressing ingredients in a jar or shaker with a tight-fitting lid.  Shake vigorously to combine and chill until ready to use.  This dressing can be kept in the refrigerator for a week or more.

To assemble the salads,  layer the ingredients in the order given.   Drizzle with dressing just before serving.

SOURCE;  for the dressing;  Quick Vegetarian Pleasures

Happy First Day of Spring, Everyone!