Winter Arugula Pear Salad with Mandarin Oranges and Yogurt Dressing

This easy delicious salad gives the impression of being a professional chef. It’s great by itself or paired with a decadent dinner and dessert. I actually did this one as part of a New Year’s Eve menu, it easily goes well with any holiday meal. Birthdays, Anniversary, or even an intimate evening for two. I paired it with Blue Cheese, Spinach Wellingtons, and Easy Loaded Brownies. We added Champagne to toast in the New Year.

Salad Ingredients

1 – 10 oz pkg Spring Mix
2 Bosc Pears cut into 1/2 inch cubes
1/2 cup diced Craisins
1/2 cup  chopped roasted pistachios
1 can drained manderin oranges

1/4 grated Parmesan cheese
1/3 cup crumbled Feta cheese

Dressing Ingredients

1/4 cup orange juice
2/3 cup olive oil
5 Tbsp Greek yogurt (or sour cream)
1 Tsp Poppy seeds

2 Tbsp Spicy Brown Mustard
3 Tbsp White Vinegar
1/4 tsp dried thyme
1/8 tsp dried rosemary
Dash of salt and black pepper

Directions

Using a glass jar with a lid gives you an easy way to both mix and store your dressing.  I used a 12oz jar that I had saved from a jam.  A mason jar will also work well here.

In a clean jar add Poppy seeds, thyme, rosemary, salt and pepper.
Add Greek Yogurt, orange juice, mustard and vinegar. 
Cover with lid and shake vigorously for about 1 minute.
Add olive oil and shake about 2 minutes until we’ll combined. Store in refrigerator until just before serving.

Chop nuts, craisins, and pears. 
Add to Spring mix in a large bowl.  Toss well to distribute ingredients.  Add grated Parmesan and mix well.
Add Feta Crumbles and maderin oranges, top with 1/4 cup of dressing right before serving. You can always add more to taste.