If your pears are firm, ripen them at room temperature in a paper bag until they yield to gentle pressure.
2 medium red or yellow pears, such as Bartlett
Lemon juice
4 cups fresh spinach leaves
4 cups leaf lettuce
3 oranges, peeled, halved, and sectioned
1 recipe Herbed Balsamic Vinaigrette

Slice pears; brush cut edges with lemon juice. On a serving platter arrange spinach and lettuce. Top with orange and pear slices. Before serving, add dressing; toss to coat. Makes 8 to 10 side-dish servings.

Herbed Balsamic Vinaigrette: In a screw-top jar combine 1/4 cup olive oil; 1/4 cup balsamic or wine vinegar; 1 to 2 tablespoons sugar, if desired; 1 teaspoon snipped fresh basil or 1/4 to 1/2 teaspoon dried basil, crushed; 1 teaspoon snipped fresh thyme or 1/4 to 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme, crushed; 1/2 teaspoon snipped fresh marjoram or 1/4 to 1/2 teaspoon dried marjoram, crushed. Cover the jar and shake well to mix.

Chill the dressing until serving time or up to 1 week. Makes about 1/2 cup vinaigrette.