After returning home from our family trip to Virginia I think one of my biggest regrets was not having this salad earlier than I did.  {Seriously, food is that important to me.}  We were there three weeks and it wasn’t until our second to last night that I ate this.  I had the opportunity to go to dinner with a sister-in-law at Cosi, while my husband watched all the kids {so nice, right}.  Their signature salad was recommended to us and so we both ordered this salad to go along with our meal.  It was amazing.  The flavors were so perfect.  This salad has it all-sweet, salty, crisp, tart, tangy, crunchy and amazing!  {That’s a lot of adjectives, I know, but this salad is worthy.  I promise.}

I have been home for three weeks now and I have really been craving this salad, and finally it hit me-make it yourself!  So, I did.  And it was so good that I ate it for lunch and then made it again as a side salad for dinner that same night.  It does not disappoint.

Pear and Pistachio Salad with Sherry Shallot Vinaigrette

Ingredients:

mixed spring greens
2 pears, sliced thin
shelled pistachios
dried cranberries
red grapes, sliced in half
gorgonzola cheese

Sherry Shallot Vinaigrette
¼ cup sherry vinegar
2 tsp. sugar
1 medium shallot, minced
1 clove garlic, minced
½ tsp. salt
¼ tsp. black pepper
½ cup olive oil

Directions:

To make the dressing combine the vinegar and sugar together.  Allow for the sugar to dissolve into the vinegar.  Add the shallot, garlic, salt and pepper.   Slowly add the oil, whisk until combined.  Refrigerate until ready to toss with salad.

To prepare the salad, combine all salad ingredients in a large bowl.  Give dressing another quick stir and drizzle dressing over and toss to combine.

Serve immediately.

**Inspired by Cosi’s Signature Salad.