Nectarine Pecan Salad Food

NECTARINES AND PEACHES WITH LAVENDER SYRUP

Steps:

• Preheat oven to 350°F. Toast pecans on a rimmed baking sheet, stirring once, until slightly darkened in color and fragrant, 10-12 minutes. Let cool.
• Meanwhile, bring honey, 2 Tbsp. sugar, and 3 Tbsp. water to a simmer in a small saucepan over medium-high heat, swirling occasionally until sugar is dissolved. Add rosemary and lavender and remove from heat. Let sit 5 minutes. Remove rosemary and let syrup cool.
• Bring a pinch of salt, remaining 1/4 cup sugar, and 1 Tbsp. water to a boil in another small saucepan, stirring to dissolve sugar. Cook (without stirring) until sugar turns a light amber color, about 2 minutes. Add pecans and cook, stirring constantly, until nuts are coated and caramel is a dark amber color, about 2 minutes. Immediately scrape out onto a parchment-lined baking sheet and spread out into a single layer; let cool. Break into smaller pieces.
• Toss nectarines, peaches, lemon zest, and 1/4 cup syrup in a large bowl to coat. Let sit 5 minutes. Gently toss in half of Gorgonzola and half of candied pecans; taste and season with salt if needed. Transfer to a platter. Top with remaining Gorgonzola and candied pecans.
• Do Ahead
• Syrup can be made 1 month ahead; cover and chill. Pecans can be candied 1 day ahead; store airtight at room temperature.

NECTARINE ARUGULA SALAD

Steps:

• In a large bowl, combine the first 5 ingredients. In a small bowl, whisk vinegar, sugar, mustard, salt and pepper. Gradually whisk in oil until blended. Drizzle over salad; toss to coat.

GRILLED NECTARINE SALAD

Steps:

• Heat a grill pan over medium-high heat.
• Drizzle the nectarine halves with a little olive oil. Grill cut-side down for 2 to 3 minutes, turning midway to achieve lovely grill marks. Set aside.
• In a bowl, whisk together the honey, Dijon and vinegar. Whisk in the olive oil to emulsify. Add some salt and pepper and mix.
• Toast the slivered almonds in a small skillet over medium-low heat until just turning golden brown.
• In a large bowl, toss the salad greens with enough of the dressing to lightly coat. (You won't use all of the dressing; save to have on another salad tomorrow!) Toss in the warm toasted almonds.
• Divide the salad among 4 plates. Place a nectarine half on each serving. Drizzle the nectarines with a little more dressing. With a fork, cut the blue cheese into chunks and distribute among the plates.

CHICKEN SALAD WITH NECTARINES AND GOAT CHEESE

Steps:

• In a large bowl, stir together the nectarines, shallot and lemon juice. Season to taste with salt and pepper. In a medium bowl, mash together the buttermilk, goat cheese and lemon zest. Season to taste with salt and pepper and thin with more buttermilk until it's the consistency of a dip. (Both mixtures can be made up to an hour ahead and refrigerated. Bring to room temperature before eating.)
• When you're ready to eat, add the chicken, pita chips, and olive oil to the nectarines and stir to combine. Add the greens, season them with salt and pepper, and stir once more. Taste and adjust salt, pepper, lemon juice, and oil until flavors are bright and punchy.
• Spread the goat cheese cream on plates, then top with the salad (or dot the salad with the goat cheese cream). Serve immediately.

PECAN TOSSED SALAD

Steps:

• In a jar with a tight-fitting lid, combine the oil, vinegar, water and salad dressing mix; shake well. In a large salad bowl, combine greens, pecans and Parmesan cheese. Just before serving, shake dressing and pour over salad; toss to coat.

GRILLED NECTARINE & BURRATA SALAD

Steps:

• Heat the butter and sugar in a small frying pan over a medium heat until the butter has melted. Add the pecans and stir to coat in the buttery sugar. Continue to cook for about 5 mins, stirring until the pecans are crisp and caramelised. Tip out onto a sheet of baking parchment and leave to cool. Once cooled, roughly chop and set aside.
• Heat a griddle pan over a high heat and generously brush the nectarine slices with some olive oil. Griddle for 1-2 mins on each side until charred and caramelised. Remove to a serving platter and set aside.
• Whisk the 4 tbsp olive oil, vinegar and honey together with some seasoning to make a dressing.
• Nestle the balls of burrata in amongst the nectarines and slice open, then arrange the rocket and basil around them. Drizzle over the dressing, scatter with the pecans and sprinkle with a pinch of chilli flakes to serve.