Seven Topping Salad with Balsamic Dressing

I remember a visit to my Mom’s home in Yountville, Trevor gobbled up the salad we had at dinner.  It was not a usual occurrence for him to devour salad, he even had a second serving.  I asked Trevor about it later. Trevor said, Grandma put lots of good stuff in her salad you don’t. Ok, my salads we’re boring!

Salads don’t have to be boring! The typical salad growing up was probably lettuce, red onion, tomatoes (fresh from the garden), and cucumber.  I’ve repented when it comes to making a boring salad.  Today I made the one pictured; spring mix, red bell pepper, black olives, cucumber, grape tomatoes, mushrooms, strawberries, and slivered almonds.

You don’t have to stop there when it comes to salad ingredients, let your imagination run.  Don’t like strawberries, use a thinly sliced apple or blueberries.  Substitute the almonds with, roasted pumpkin seeds or sunflower seeds.  I've also added garbanzo beans, marinated artichoke hearts or beets, avocado, shredded carrots, and croutons.

You can add any type of meat to make it a complete dinner,  grilled chicken, sliced steak, salmon (which is Thom's favorite).  Add your favorite cheese!  I think you have the idea, make it your own by using your favorite ingredients.

The dressing can also make a big difference, I love balsamic dressing and this is so easy to make you’ll wonder why you ever purchased a bottle dressing!

Dressing Ingredients:
1/4 cup balsamic vinegar
3/4 cup olive oil
1 Tablespoon dijon mustard
2 Tablespoon honey
1 cloves minced garlic
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1/2 teaspoon sea salt

Mix ingredients in a mason jar and shake well, taste and adjust to your liking.  Store in a jar with a lid and refrigerate.  Shake well before serving

Don’t over dress the salad.  Enjoy!