A Delicious and Warm Pear Salad for Winter

(NewsUSA) - Sponsored News - The cold, blistering months can take a toll on our mental and physical health, but a colorful mix of seasonal ingredients can keep you going strong until springtime.

Honey sweet roasted pears and tangy balsamic lentils are tossed with winter greens to make this simple and balanced meal, packed full of essential nutrients, including fiber, vitamin C, antioxidants, folate and iron.

"Combining the refreshing flavors of fruits and vegetables, this satisfying salad is soul-warming comfort food at its best," says Kathy Stephenson, marketing communications director for USA Pears. "Roasted pears on a bed of greens with lentils capture the lively promise of springtime and the nourishment our bodies crave this time of year."

Serve salad warm. If you desire a little more richness, try topping the salad with long curls of parmesan cheese.

Warm Winter Greens with Balsamic Lentils and Roasted Pears

Ingredients:

* 2 bunches of winter greens, washed, dried and torn into large pieces

Lentils:

* 2 teaspoons olive oil

* 1 small sweet onion, cut into half rings

* 1/2 teaspoon salt

* freshly ground black pepper

* 1/4 cup balsamic vinegar

* 3/4 cup brown lentils, rinsed

* 1 cup cold water

Roasted Pears:

* 2 firm, ripe Anjou pears

* 2 teaspoons olive oil

* 2 teaspoons honey

* 6-8 sage leaves, torn

Preheat oven to 375 degrees. Prepare greens and transfer to large bowl. Place saucepan over medium heat. Once hot, add olive oil, onions, salt and pepper, and saute until onions begin to caramelize. Add vinegar to deglaze pan, stirring to pick up bits that may be stuck to the bottom. Cook until vinegar reduces and pan is nearly dry, about 3 minutes. Add lentils and water, cover and bring to a boil. Once boiling, reduce heat to medium low and simmer for 15-18 minutes, or until lentils are al dente.

Spread pears onto sheet pan. Stir olive oil and honey together and drizzle over pears. Add sage leaves, toss pears gently with mixture and transfer to oven. Roast pears for 12-15 minutes, or until just tender.

When lentils are done, pour atop the winter greens while still hot. Using tongs, toss lentils and greens together until greens are softened and glossy. Transfer mixture to a clean bowl and drizzle with more olive oil. Top the warm salad with roasted pears and sage leaves. Serve immediately.