Pear Vinaigrette

This past weekend, we headed to Mt. Angel, Oregon, for their Oktoberfest. We had a great time visiting all the different artisan booths, and happily purchased some of our Christmas shopping for family members. Yay! I splurged at one particular booth that sold Leonardo e Roberto’s Gourmet Blends because I couldn’t resist the amazing vinegar flavors they had for sale. One of my favorite flavors they offered was a pear white balsamic vinegar, which was full of pear flavor with a touch of sweetness. I immediately envisioned a pear vinaigrette tossed over a butter leaf salad with blue cheese, sliced pear, red onion, and candied pecans (although my husband and daughter had theirs with feta because they don’t care for blue cheese). The easy homemade pear vinaigrette recipe was a HUGE hit with all of us, and it tasted amazing on our salads.

Pear Vinaigrette

Ingredients:

• 3-4 tbsp pear white balsamic vinegar to taste*
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 2 tbsp vegetable oil
• 1 tbsp shallot, minced
• 1 tsp Dijon mustard
• Sea salt and freshly cracked pepper to taste
• Honey, if needed, to taste

How to Make a Pear Vinaigrette

Combine the olive oil, vegetable oil, pear white balsamic vinegar, minced shallot, Dijon mustard, sea salt, and freshly cracked pepper to taste in a small glass jar.

Whisk until well combined. Taste and add honey to taste, if needed.  *Side Note: We like a tangy vinaigrette; if you don’t, use less vinegar

Set aside to allow flavors to mingle.

When ready to serve, whisk the vinaigrette well before drizzling it over your salad. Enjoy.