Cherry Cheese Salad

Ingredients

 * ¾ cup mild red onion, thinly sliced
 * 2 tablespoons lemon juice
 * 3 quarts mixed salad greens, rinsed and crisped, in bite-size pieces or mesclun
 * 1 quart radicchio, rinsed and crisped, in bite-size pieces
 * 1 lb dark sweet cherries, pitted
 * 3 tablespoons merlot
 * 3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil (a fruity variety)
 * 3 tablespoons raspberry vinegar
 * 1½ teaspoons honey
 * 1½ teaspoons Dijon mustard
 * ¾ cup blue cheese, packed, coarsely crumbled (¼ lb.)
 * salt and pepper

Directions

 * 1) In a small bowl, combine onion with 2 cups water and lemon juice; chill 15 to 30 minutes.
 * 2) Drain well.
 * 3) To make dressing, whisk together merlot, fruity extra-virgin olive oil, raspberry vinegar, honey, and Dijon mustard.
 * 4) In a large boil, combine onion, salad greens, radicchio, cherries, and dressing; mix lightly.
 * 5) Sprinkle salad with cheese and season with salt and pepper to taste.