Friday, February 14, 2014

Spinach and Pear Salad with Marinated Flank Steak

Well, we all seemed to survive this round of snow and ice.  Just a bit left to melt, but the sun is out so it shouldn't be long.



Last night I was craving a salad, something a little healthier than the snacks we'd been eating while stuck indoors!  I remembered this recipe that a girlfriend gave me years back for Spinach and Pear Salad and decided to pair it with Flank steak.



Salad:

1 lb fresh spinach, washed and trimmed ( I used organic baby spinach)
2 pears, sliced
1/2 C sugared dates, chopped
3/4 C pecans, chopped

Dressing:

1/4 C fresh orange juice
1/4 C wine vinegar (we used white)
1/2 cup salad oil (we used Canola)
1 TBS brown sugar
1 tsp garlic salt
1/2 tsp curry powder
Salt & Pepper to taste

Mix all ingredients in jar and refrigerate.  May be prepared 2 days ahead.

Combine spinah, pears, dates & pecans in large bowl.  Toss with dressing.  Add salt and pepper to taste.

As I mentioned we served it with sliced flank steak.  I doubled the dressing recipe and used half for a marinade for the steak. It turned out perfectly, nice and juicy, and the flavor complimented the salad since I had used the same dressing.

This dish would be good with chicken and shrimp as well.

Hope you all have a wonderful weekend!  Happy Valentine's Day!!!


13 comments:

Vicki @ lifeinmyemptynest said...

I love steak salad - looks yummy with the pears :-)

Preppy Empty Nester said...

I read the title of your post and started salivating. It look delish. I love flank steak. Have a wonderful valentines weekend, Lauren.

Dixie Delights said...

Yum!!! That's my kind of salad - loaded up with good things :-)

Jenny said...

This looks delicious! I'm back to trying to "eat clean" and undo the damage of lazy snowbound days! I'm thinking these flavors go together beautifully!

Allison said...

This sounds so good Lauren! I love pears in salad. Will have to make this weekend. Happy Valentine's Day!

Brandi said...

So glad the snow is finally melting and things are getting back to normal round these parts! LOL We had trash pick up today. Thank goodness I heard the trucks as I was waking up. My kids are really enjoying the break, they are off until Tuesday.

We had been eating pretty healthy the last few weeks then my husband broke down and bought Oreos. Your salad and steak look delicious. I love adding fruit in salad. I bet it goes well with your dressing. Enjoy your weekend, my friend. It's supposed to be nice one!

Leslie said...

This looks so healthy and hearty Lauren. I always enjoy a good steak salad. Glad your weather is getting back to normal!

Linda @ Life and Linda said...

What a lovely combo.....Steak is always yummy...Love your version...xo

Nancy's Notes said...

Scrumptious looking steak salad, I'm so hungry now! Great post! Glad I found your blog!
Nancy

Anne said...

That looks gorgeous Lauren....hope you enjoyed the weekend:)
~Anne

Val said...

I love a great steak salad and this looks amazing.

Mike @TheIronYou said...

That flank steak is cooked to perfection Lauren, I bet it tasted awesome.
I want to try the spinach + pear salad combo, sounds like something right up my alley!

Beautifully Seaside // Formerly Chic Coastal Living said...

Who taught you how to cook?! Everything you make looks amazing!