Cranberry-Pear Tossed Salad

Makes a great main dish salad on a hot summer day, or a delicious side dish any time of year.

Cranberry-Pear Tossed Salad

1/3 cup apricot nectar

1/3 cup red wine vinegar

1/3 cup canola oil

2 teaspoons Dijon mustard

1/4 teaspoon salt

1/8 teaspoon pepper

2 tablespoons sugar

1/2 cup chopped walnuts

12 cups torn mixed salad greens

3 medium pears, sliced

1/2 cup dried cranberries

3/4 cup crumbled blue cheese

For dressing, in a bowl, whisk together the first six ingredients; set aside. -In a heavy skillet, melt sugar over medium heat, stirring constantly. Add walnuts; stir to coat. Remove from the heat. In a large salad bowl, combine greens, pears and cranberries. Drizzle with dressing. Add nuts and blue cheese; toss.