Recipe: Chopped Salad with Ham and Goat Cheese

Chopped Salad with Ham and Goat Cheese

8 ounces thinly sliced ham, cut into bite-size strips
1 tablespoon butter or margarine
1/2 teaspoon five-spice powder or curry powder
1/2 cup pecan halves
1/4 cup bottled oil and vinegar salad dressing or Italian salad dressing
2 tablespoons dry sherry
1 (10-oz.) package Mediterranean-style or Italian-style torn, mixed salad greens
1/2 small cucumber, halved lengthwise and sliced
1 cup fresh pea pods, halved crosswise
1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
2 ounces semi-soft goat cheese or feta cheese, crumbled

Melt butter in a small skillet over medium heat. Stir in five-spice powder. Add pecans; cook and stir until nuts are toasted. Set aside.

Combine salad dressing and sherry in a screw-top jar. Set aside.

Combine salad greens, ham, cucumber, pea pods, tomatoes and toasted pecans in a large salad bowl. Shake salad dressing mixture to combine; pour over greens mixture. Toss until coated. Sprinkle with crumbled cheese.

Servings: 6
Source: National Pork Board