Ranch House Salad With Pecan Vinaigrette Food

HOUSE SALAD WITH CANDIED PECANS

Steps:

• Preheat oven to 375° F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
• In a small saucepan on the stovetop, combine sugar and water. Bring to a boil, whisking to dissolve the sugar. Remove from the heat, stir in the pecans; toss to coat. Spread the nuts on a single layer on the prepared baking sheet. Toast in the oven for about 8-10 minutes, or until toasty. Keep a close eye on them so that they don't burn. While still warm, sprinkle the nuts with a little bit of kosher salt to taste. Set aside to cool completely. Once cool, you can store the candied nuts in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a month.
• In a small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, sugar, lemon juice, kosher salt, black pepper, onion powder and garlic powder. Add the vinegar and mustard, whisk to combine.
• Whisk in the oil, one tablespoon at a time, blending well after each addition. The mixture should be thick, but pourable. If it's too thick, gradually whisk in some water until it reaches the desired consistency. Store in an airtight jar in the refrigerator for up to 1 week.
• Arrange the lettuce greens on individual salad plates or on a large serving platter. Top with candied pecans, blue cheese, cranberries and oranges. Just before serving, drizzle the dressing over the salad, to taste.

RANCH SALAD WITH CANDIED PECANS

Steps:

• Toss 2 cups cubed raisin-walnut bread with 2 tablespoons melted butter. Bake at 400 degrees F until crisp, 12 to 15 minutes. Puree 1/4 cup each mayonnaise, sour cream, buttermilk, sliced scallions, chopped dill and chopped mint, and 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt in a blender. Toss 2 chopped romaine hearts with the dressing, 1/2 cup candied pecans and the croutons. Season with salt and pepper.

RANCH HOUSE SALAD WITH PECAN VINAIGRETTE

Steps:

• Divide greens evenly onto 4 salad plates; top with cabbage and cheese. Arrange tomato wedges and avocado over greens.
• Pour oil to depth of 1/2 inch in a skillet and heat to 350 degrees. Fry tortilla strips in hot oil until crisp, about 1 minute. Drain on paper towels.
• Drizzle salads with Pecan Vinaigrette and top with tortilla strips.
• For dressing, process first 5 ingredients and if desired, sherry, in a blender until smooth. Turn blender on high and add olive oil gradually in a slow, steady stream until thickened. Stir in the pecans.

APPLE-PECAN SALAD WITH HONEY VINAIGRETTE

Steps:

• In a serving bowl, combine the lettuce, apple and pecans. In a small bowl, whisk the vinegar, honey, oil, mustard, salt and pepper. Pour over salad; toss to coat. Sprinkle with cheese.

TOASTED PECAN VINAIGRETTE

Steps:

• In a large bowl, whisk together first five ingredients. Slowly add olive oil while whisking constantly. Stir in pecans just before serving.