Arugula, Pear & Blue Cheese Salad with Warm Vinaigrette

I always love making salads and adding them to any meal, but sometimes it's hard to come up with a new recipe that goes away from your regular routine.  So today I have a delicious new recipe to add to your summer menu and I think you'll love it!  The dressing is so light and refreshing and all of the flavors were incredible together.  You know how I always love to add a lot of toppings so I when made this for our friends last Sunday, I added toasted slivered almonds, crispy bacon, and sliced avocado.  They were perfect additions and made the salad a little more filling.  We served it with flank steak on the side which I would highly recommend as well because who doesn't love that?!  So give this recipe a try over the weekend and let me know what you think.

| INGREDIENTS |

2 tablespoons white balsamic vinegar

1 teaspoon Dijon mustard

1/2 teaspoon honey

4 tablespoons olive oil

salt and pepper

4 large handfuls arugula [about 12 ounces]

1 barely ripe pear, cored and sliced thin

3 ounces soft blue cheese

| DIRECTIONS |

Whisk together the balsamic vinegar, mustard, and honey in a small saucepan over low heat.  Gradually pour in the olive oil, and continue whisking until the dressing has emulsified.  Season with salt and pepper.

Divide the arugula between plates.  Top with the sliced pear and blue cheese, then drizzle with warm vinaigrette.

[you can also add toasted slivered almonds, avocado, and crispy bacon which are all amazing on it as well]