Summery Salad

 

Summery Salad

I love summer salads - this one combines fresh greens with fruit and nuts to create a flavorful dish that is fully customizable. I used strawberries, blueberries and goat cheeses for a red, white and blue theme, but any other combo of fruits and toppings would work too!

Ingredients

  • fresh greens - I used lettuce, but spinach, arugula or mixed greens would work fine

  • 1-2 cups sliced strawberries - rinsed

  • 1-2 cups blueberries - rinsed

  • plain soft goat cheese - 4 oz

  • 3 cups walnuts

  • 1 cup coconut sugar

  • 1 tsp vanilla

  • 1 tsp cinnamon

  • dash sea salt

Dressing

  • 1/2 cup extra virgin olive oil

  • 4 TB white or rose balsamic vinegar

  • 1-2 cloves of garlic, minced

  • 1/2 TB honey or maple syrup

  • 1/2 tsp sea salt

Instructions

  • preheat oven to 350 and spread walnuts (or other nuts) on parchment paper-lined baking sheet - bake for 10 minutes and let cool

  • combine coconut sugar and 1.5 tablespoons water in a small saucepan over medium heat, stir until sugar begins to dissolve and then add cinnamon, vanilla and salt. Stir to combine.

  • Once the sugar is dissolved completely, add walnuts and stir to coat each nut. Remove from heat, and spread nuts back onto parchment paper to cool and harden.

  • layer salad first, then fruit / cheese. I like to do it in neat rows so it’s pretty, but you can go for more of a tossed salad too

  • make dressing - in a mason jar, add the oil, vinegar, honey, salt and garlic. Shake to mix.

  • When ready to serve, add nuts and dressing. Toss to combine. Enjoy!

DinnerDoris Steeresalad