Autumn Chopped Salad

We had this salad with dinner (grilled pork chops and applesauce) last night and it was a huge hit! (Katie and James each had 3 servings.)  

Source: http://espressoandcream.com/2010/11/autumn-chopped-salad.html

Ingredients:

6 to 8 c. chopped romaine lettuce

2 medium pears, chopped

1 c. dried cranberries

1 c. chopped pecans

8 slices thick-cut bacon, crisp-cooked and crumbled

4 to 6 oz. feta cheese, crumbled

Poppy Seed Salad Dressing

Balsamic Vinaigrette

*I have also seen variations of this salad that use one pear and one apple or a different type of nut. 

Instructions:

In a salad bowl, combine the lettuce, pears, cranberries, pecans, and bacon. Serve with Feta cheese, Poppy Seed Dressing, and Balsamic Vinaigrette.  I know it seems weird but using both dressings really does give it a great flavor. The original recipe suggests 70% Poppy Seed and 30% Balsamic. 

The original recipe suggests store dressings, but we used the following:

Poppy Seed Dressing  

source: http://simpleyetgourmet.blogspot.com/2010/03/strawberry-spinach-salad.html
 
1/2 c. sugar
1 1/2 tsp. ground mustard
1/3 c. red wine vinegar
1/2 tsp. salt
1/8 c. chopped white onion
1 c. canola oil
1 tsp. poppy seeds
 
Combine everything in a blender EXCEPT poppy seeds. Stir in poppy seeds.

Balsamic Vinaigrette
1/3 c. flavored balsamic vinegar (such as cinnamon pear or pomegranate)
1/3 c. extra virgin olive oil
 
Mix well.