You might think a warm dressing on cold lettuce might be a strange combo, but think again! This is the perfect winter salad.

Ingredients

Vinaigrette

• 1/4 cup cider vinegar
• 2 tablespoons finely minced shallots
• 2 teaspoons Dijon Mustard
• 1 teaspoon honey
• 3/4 cup olive oil

Salad

• 2 small heads Bibb lettuce
• 1 Asian pear
• Optional: 1/2 cup toasted pecans, 1/4 cup pomegranate arils

Directions

For the dressing:

1. Combine the vinegar and shallots in a small saucepan, place over medium-high heat until warmed or just simmering.
2. Remove from heat and whisk in mustard, honey and olive oil.
3. Season to taste with salt and pepper.
4. Keep warm until ready to serve or warm again over low heat.
5. This vinaigrette makes more than you need for 4 salad portions. Store the remainder tightly covered in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks.

For the salad:

1. Wash and dry the lettuce, and keep in the refrigerator until ready to serve.
2. Cut the pear in half, remove the core using a melon-ball scoop, and discard.
3. Slice the pear into thin slices then cut into matchstick julienne.
4. Line 4 salad plates with torn Bibb lettuce.
5. Toss the pears with some of the warm vinaigrette and arrange on each plate
6. Lightly dress lettuce with desired amount of dressing.
7. Optional: Garnish the salad with toasted nuts or seeds, or dried fruit.