Berry Balsamic Spinach Salad

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Berry Balsamic Spinach Salad

Let me take you down, 'cause I'm going to Strawberry Fields

Course Salad

Cuisine American

Keyword Salad

Servings

Calories 191kcal

Author Jen

Ingredients

Salad

10 ounces or 6 cups spinach - or mix of arugula and mixed greens too
1 cup or 1/2 pint strawberries, sliced
1/3 cup blueberries
1/2 cup red onion - thin sliced
1/3 cup feta cheese - crumbled
1/4 cup walnuts or pecans - chopped, leaving some partially whole

Balsamic Dressing

1/2 cup extra virgin olive oil
3 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
1 clove garlic - minced
2 teaspoons dijon mustard
1/2 teaspoon honey
1/2 teaspoon salt - or to taste
1/2 teaspoon fresh cracked pepper - or to taste
1/8 teaspoon onion powder

US Customary - Metric

Instructions

To a jar with a sealing lid — add olive oil, balsamic, garlic, dijon, honey, salt, pepper and onion powder. Seal the lid and shake until well mixed. The dressing will be thick but light and airy. Remove the lid, taste and adjust to your liking. When primo and if time allows, let garlic work magic on the counter for an hour or so. If not, dress like a champ.
To a bowl, coat the bottom with dressing (little goes a long way so more can be added). Add spinach/mixed greens, berries, red onion, feta and nuts.
With washed hands or tongs, toss to dress.

Notes

Adapted from Jan

Jan adds hard boiled egg as well.
Avocado seems like a fine addition too.
To toast pecans/walnuts or not? Your choice but toasted nuts bring irresistible crunch!
Because we added minced garlic, best is letting disbursed clove work magic in dressing counter-side for an hour or so.
Avoid sad wilted salad by dressing right before serving.

To toast walnuts/pecans -

Toaster

On a piece of aluminum foil spread walnuts in a single layer then place directly on the toaster oven rack. Set to medium toast. Nuts are fairly quick to brown (about 5 minutes), so keep a watchful eye. Once the nuts are fragrant and just beginning to brown, remove from the oven. If left on the foil, the walnuts will continue to cook, so transfer to a plate or bowl to cool, then chop.

Skillet

Put the nuts in a single layer in a dry skillet over medium heat. Let them sit until just fragrant and slightly browned, repeat the process by shaking a few times, but keep in a single layer so all sides are treated equal. This should take about 5-7 minutes.

Nutrition