There is something about spring that just makes you want to eat healthy. Maybe it is the blooming flowers that make you want to feel light and delicate. Or the warm, sunny days that remind you that summer, and swim suit season, are right around the corner. Whatever it is, we end up eating a lot of salad at our house this time of year. One of our favorites is this delicate, yet delightfully flavorful concoction. If you feel like experimenting, try switching the pears for strawberry slices or swap the candied walnuts for candied pecans.
Ingredients:
- 5 cups baby lettuce greens or torn mixed lettuce greens
- 1 cup diced English cucumber
- 2 pears, cored and cubed
- 1/2 cup soft goat cheese, crumbled
- 1 cup candied walnuts, coarsely chopped
- 2 Tbl balsamic vinegar
- 1 tsp minced shallot
- 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
- salt, to taste
- ground pepper, to taste
Directions:
- Prepare vinaigrette. In a small bowl, whisk together balsamic vinegar and shallot. Add the oil in a stream, whisking until well blended. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Toss lettuce, cucumber and pear in a large salad bowl. Sprinkle goat cheese and walnuts over the salad.
- Drizzle vinaigrette over the salad and toss to coat.
