For me, the holiday season is all about good cheer: family gathered around the fireplace, people helping one another out, finding a gift that is personal and touches the heart. I enjoy the traditions as well as creating new ones with those I love.

We have a lot of parties that we are invited to and enjoy having people over as well. I love making this holiday salad as it is bright and cheerful as well as having a sophisticated and delightful blend of flavors.

One of the secrets to this delicious salad is how easy it is to make. I used three wonderful products from Litehouse Foods which made it so simple and yet so elegant. Litehouse provides quality, fresh products, with NO artificial preservatives, NO MSG’s, and award-winning taste. Yes, I am a fan!

First of all, I was inspired by Litehouse’s Pear Gorgonzola salad dressing. It tastes very fresh and has one of my favorite combos which perfectly complement one another.

Gorgonzola is a unique robust aromatic cheese produced in Northern Italy. In fact, it was first produced in the Italian town Gorgonzola in 879 AD.

If you happen to enjoy gorgonzola, you will love Litehouse’s Artisan Gorgonzola Cheese crumbles which come in a useful resealable bag. I add it to just about everything and even eat it by itself. So delicious and the best gorgonzola I’ve had.

I buy Litehouse herbs often, and the mint is so lovely to have on hand. It adds a delightful pop of subtle flavor.

To make this salad you will need:

5 oz Butter Lettuce (buy this fresh or packaged)

2 pears –  (you can use what is in season) – I chose to use Bartlett and Forelle, which are two of my favorites for the taste and the colors. The sweet flavors of Forelle and Bartlett are both enhanced when matched with tart foods like the gorgonzola.

Add your lettuce to a large bowl, then add your pears cut into thin slices, next add your cranberries and walnuts, sprinkle with the gorgonzola crumbles. Add Litehouse Pear Gorgonzola dressing to taste and top it off with a hint of mint.

This is delicious served with homemade olive bread or any fresh and crusty bread or baguette.

The tangy tart and sweet flavors of the pears, gorgonzola and cranberries combined with the crunch of the walnuts are divine and the bright festive colors will have you feeling merry in no time at all! Happy Holidays!

Litehouse Foods help ramp up your creativity, and, right now, they are offering you a coupon to save you $1 on any of their delicious products.

I also wanted to share their amazing holiday contest with you!

Share your favorite holiday creations you use to dazzle your guests for your chance to win 1 of 3 $1,000 grocery cards and a year’s supply of Litehouse Dressing which you can use to make your family an epic holiday feast!

And, since ’tis the season, let’s have a giveaway right here for the same three Litehouse products that I received!

1 Litehouse Foods Artisan Gorgonzola Cheese crumbles

1 Bottle of Litehouse Pear Gorgonzola Dressing

and 1 bottle of Litehouse Foods dried Mint

Open to US residents, ends 12/16