Almond, Blue Cheese and Cranberry Salad

Ingredients :

SALAD DRESSING

• ¹/₄ cup olive oil
• ¹/₄ cup tarragon white wine vinegar or white wine vinegar
• 2 tablespoons sugar
• ¹/₂ teaspoon poppy seeds
• ¹/₂ teaspoon salt
• ¹/₈ teaspoon pepper

ALMONDS

• 1 tablespoon  Butter
• ¹/₂ cup slivered almonds
• 3 tablespoons sugar

SALAD

• 2 (10-ounce) packages European salad blend  
• 1 medium (1 cup) yellow bell pepper, cut into 1-inch pieces
• ¹/₂ cup sliced green onions
• ¹/₂ cup sweetened dried cranberries or cherries
• 4 ounces ( ¹/₂ cup) crumbled blue cheese or feta cheese
• Substitute your favourite salad blend.

How to make :

1. STEP 1 : Combine all dressing ingredients in jar or small container with tight-fitting lid; shake well to mix. Refrigerate.
2. STEP 2 : Melt butter in 10-inch skillet over medium heat until sizzling; add almonds and 2 tablespoons sugar. Continue cooking, stirring constantly, 4-5 minutes or until sugar melts and nuts are golden brown. Remove from heat; sprinkle with remaining 1 tablespoon sugar. Quickly spread onto waxed paper-lined baking sheet; cool completely.
3. STEP 3 : Combine all salad ingredients, caramelized almonds and dressing in bowl just before serving. Serve immediately.