Chopped Pear and Cucumber Salad

"I love the nutty taste of the Highland Swiss cheese made by the Middlebrook Cheese Company, sold at the Staunton Farmer's Market [VA].  It goes perfectly with the mellow taste of pears.  Sherry vinegar is important in this salad, so try to find it if you can.  Dried cherries add a sweet note, though you could substitute dried cranberries, which are more readily available." 

Preparation time:  15 minutes
Serves 2

2 T olive oil
1 T sherry vinegar
1 medium cucumber, peeled, seeded, and
   diced
1 medium red bell pepper, roughly chopped
1 pear, cored and chopped
1/2 small sweet onion, minced
1/2 c dried cherries
1 head romaine lettuce, chopped
4 oz Middlebrook Highland Swiss cheese,
   cut into cubes
1/2 c pecans, toasted and coarsely chopped
Salt to taste
Ground black pepper

Whisk oil and vinegar together in a large bowl.  Add cucumber, bell pepper, pear, onion, and cherries; toss and let stand at room temperature to blend flavors, 5 minutes. 

Add romaine, cheese, and pecans, and toss to combine.  Season with salt and pepper and serve.