Cherry and Blue Cheese Salad, Salad Recipe, Raspberry Salad Dressing

Cherry and Blue Cheese Salad

Mmm! This is delicious. I like to use pinot noir wine in the dressing since we make our own wine.

Check out Linda's wonderful Salad and Salad Dressing Recipes.

Cherry and Blue Cheese Salad

3/4 cup thinly sliced mild red onion
2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
2 cups cold water
3 quarts bite-size mixed salad greens
1 pound fresh or frozen dark sweet pitted cherries (if using frozen, thaw first)
Raspberry-Wine Dressing (see recipe below)
3/4 cup crumbled blue cheese (gorgonzola or Roquefort cheese may be substituted)

Place onions and lemon juice in a bowl with the 2 cups cold water; refrigerate 15 to 30 minutes. When done, pour off liquid and drain well.

In a large bowl, combine drained onions, salad greens, cherries, and enough Raspberry-Wine Dressing to lightly coat the greens.

Sprinkle top of salad with blue cheese and serve.

Makes 8 to 10 servings.

Raspberry-Wine Dressing:
1/4 cup raspberry vinegar
1/4 cup red wine (I like to use pinot noir wine)
1/4 cup fresh or frozen raspberries
1/4 cup honey
1/2 cup fresh basil leaves
3/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil

In a blender or food processor, combine raspberry vinegar, red wine, raspberries, honey, and basil; whirl 1 minutes or until well blended. With the motor on, add olive oil in a slow steady stream, whirling until dressing is smooth. Store, covered, in the refrigerator. Serve at room temperature.

Yields 1 cup.