STRAWBERRY WALNUT SALAD WITH BALSAMIC REDUCTION

Ok Susie, this one is especially for you, even though I surely enjoyed eating it.  Yesterday was my cousin's birthday and this was the salad that I chose to go with pan fried tilapia and jalapeno chesse grits.  The cheese grits recipe is forthcoming.  This salad I have prepared  many times and is a perfect summer salad, full of fresh flavor.  Lanie, a thank you for having me prepare this for you and also continually fueling my passion for cooking.  You and David will always hold a special place in my life for giving me so many opportunities to experiment and develop my palate and skills...thanks for making me a foodie...and I still think that you should write a travel guide to restaurants around the world.

STRAWBERRY WALNUT SALAD

1 cup arugula
1 head Boston lettuce, torn
1 pint of strawberries, sliced
1 cup feta cheese crumbled
1/2 cup chopped toasted walnuts or pecans

I mix my greens in a bowl and lightly dress them with the raspberry dressing, then layer them on a platter.  Place your sliced strawberries around the outside of the platter and then intermingle them amongst the greens, sprinkle with the feta cheese and nuts.  For the final step, drizzle balsamic reduction across the top of the salad.  This takes a plain summer salad to the next level.  For those who do not like balsamic reduction I do feel sorry for you, it will completely wake up your taste buds, and don't let a drop go to waste.

Dressing

1/2 cup raspberry vinegar

2 cloves of garlic, minced

1/2 cup sugar

1 cup canola oil

salt and pepper to taste

Whisk all the ingredients together and place in a mason jar in your refrigerator.  This is much better made the day before you use it.


I hope that you try this and you are not limited to what greens you use, these happen to be two of my favorites therefore I chose them, but romaine or baby field greens will work nicely also.  I prefer the walnuts since they are better for you than the pecan and I love feta cheese, but you can use Monterrey Jack, or even goat cheese crumbles would be delicious.  In the winter, I take this same salad and use apples and gorgonzola.  I hope that you enjoy these recipes and invite your comments.