Nutty Strawberry Salad

 Fall is my favorite season, but there is something so nice and refreshing about the spring. Baby animals come out to play, the weather warms up and we get to spend some time outside. With a high level of SPF protection of course. One of my favorite things about spring and summer is we all get together for some nice potlucks and share food and good times. 

This is an awesome salad my Aunt Cathi made a few weeks ago and I have been making it ever since! I love how crunchy, creamy and fruity it is. All the ingredients go so well together and makes for a great salad that can easily be the main attraction of any meal. 

Ingredients

6 to 8 cups mixed greens

8 to 12 strawberries, hulled and sliced

1/2 cup candied nuts (make your own here)

4 oz soft herb cheese, cut or spooned into tablespoon sized pieces

1/3 cup strawberry vinaigrette, or a dressing of your choice

Strawberry vinaigrette

1/3 cup strawberry jam

1/3 cup red wine vinegar

salt and pepper to taste

1/2 cup olive oil or salad oil

Warm up the jam for about 30 seconds in the microwave to get the jam to blend easily. Then add the vinegar.  Mix this very well until well combined. Add in a good amount of salt and pepper. Then slowly add in the oil while you are whisking.

This salad is so, so good, but it is also very easy. Just mix the greens, strawberries, and nuts together in a large bowl. Then add the dressing and toss to coat all the leaves. Once this is well mixed, place the cheese in little drops all over the salad so everyone gets a bit of cheese in each bite.

If you add the cheese and then toss, it will just make a mess all over the salad.  This way it looks beautiful and ready to eat. 

Enjoy!