Modern Salad

INGREDIENTS
Juice of 1 lemon, or lime
4 ripe pears, cored and cut into chunks
4 sticks celery, sliced
3 carrots, grated
125 g / 4 1/2 oz walnuts, coarsely chopped, or almonds, or hazelnuts, or sunflower seeds
150 g / 5 1/2 oz raisins, or craisins (optional)
1 T fresh mint leaves, roughly chopped
For the dressing:
2 T red wine vinegar
1 t Dijon mustard
2 T walnut oil
1/2 T olive oil
Salt and black pepper
or just a light vinigerette
METHOD
Combine the lemon juice with 120 ml / 4 oz water in a large bowl. Add the pears and toss until they are coated. Leave for 10 minutes then drain.
Make the dressing: put all the ingredients in a screw-top jar and shake vigorously until they are thoroughly blended. Set aside.
Put the celery, carrots, walnuts and raisins into a serving bowl. Add the pears and fresh mint. Pour the dressing over the salad and serve.
VARIATIONS: you could also add grapes or capers, kalimati olives, use your imagination!