Pilaf with Pears and Blue Cheese

A delightfully simple pear and rice salad with crumbled blue cheese tossed with a honey-Dijon dressing.

Recipe Ingredients:

1 (6.5-ounce) package pilaf mix
1 tablespoon butter
2 medium firm pears, peeled, cored and cut into 1/2 inch pieces
1/2 cup (2 ounces) crumbled Wisconsin Blue cheese
2 tablespoons finely chopped parsley
1/4 cup prepared fat-free Honey-Dijon dressing

Cooking Directions:

1. In a medium saucepan, prepare pilaf according to package directions, omitting butter or olive oil. Fluff prepared pilaf with a fork; cool, uncovered, for 10 minutes.
2. In a large, nonstick skillet, melt butter over medium-low heat. Add pears; cook 3 to 4 minutes until deep golden brown, stirring occasionally.
3. In a large bowl, combine pears, cheese and parsley. Add prepared pilaf and dressing; toss well. Cover; chill at least 2 hours before serving.

Makes 4 servings.

Variation: For more flavor, use a toasted almond pilaf mix.

Recipe courtesy of Wisconsin Milk Marketing Board, Inc.