Delicious Autumn & Winter Salad

From blog Food52 by Brigide this salad is perfect for fall and winter holiday menus..

Arugula,  Pear and Pomegranate Salad  Serves 6-8  

Vinaigrette:                                                                                                                                        

 1 large shallot, halved and thinly sliced                                                                                             

1 tablespoon pomegranate molasses**                                                                                                

2 tablespoons sherry or apple cider vinegar                                                                                    

 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt                                                                                                                  

 1/4 teaspoon black pepper                                                                                                              

 1/3 cup extra virgin olive oil

For the salad:                                                                                                                                    

 4 cups arugula, lightly packed                                                                                                            

 4 cups romaine, torn into bite-sized pieces                                                                                          

2 ripe pears, cored and cut into 1/2" cubes                                                                                      

 1/3 cup pomegranate seeds                                                                                                                   

3 ounces fresh goat cheese or feta, crumbled                                                                                   

1/4 cup pistachios, toasted and coarsely chopped

Directions:

1.  In a small bowl combine the shallot, pomegranate molasses, vinegar, salt and pepper and whisk until the salt is dissolved.  Whisk in the olive oil and let vinaigrette stand at room temperature until salad is assembled.

2.  Combine the arugula, romaine, pears and half of the pomegranate seeds in a large bowl.  Crumble half of the goat cheese over the ingredients in the bowl (this works best if the cheese is very cold).

3.  Whisk the vinaigrette until uniform and add all but 2 tablespoons of it to the bowl. Gently toss the salad with your hands or salad tongs, coating the ingredients well with the vinaigrette. If the salad seems dry, add the vinaigrette in small increments until it is dressed to your liking.

4.  Crumble the remaining cheese over the salad and sprinkle the remaining pomegranate seeds and the pistachios over the top. Serve immediately.    

 ** This is a syrup, not really a molasses.  You can purchase it or make your own by making a reduction of 100% pomegranate juice, sugar and lemon juice.