Strawberry Almond Salad with Balsamic Vinaigrette

This is a pretty side salad.  If you are not familiar with Balsamic vinegar, this is a good recipe to try.  The vinegar itself is very dark, unless you buy “white” balsamic vinegar, but the vinegar is less tangy than white or cider vinegar, so it’s good with a fruit salad like this.  If you can’t justify the cost, try red wine vinegar.                     

Strawberry Almond Salad with Balsamic Vinaigrette

                        Vinaigrette

     1/3    Cup  Olive Oil

     1/4    Cup  Balsamic Vinegar -- (or red wine vinegar)

  2           Tablespoons  Sugar

  1           Teaspoon  Dijon Mustard

  1           Teaspoon  Garlic -- finely chopped

                        Salad

  10         Ounces  Mixed Baby Greens

  2           Cups  Strawberries -- quartered

  4           Ounces  Goat Cheese -- crumbled

     1/3    Cup  Slivered Almonds -- toasted

To toast nuts; heat oven to 350°.  Spread nuts in shallow ungreased pan; bake 6-10 minutes, watching carefully.

Dressing:  Beat together all ingredients in small bowl, or combine all but oil in small food processor or blender, add oil slowly, while machine is running, through holes in lid.  This can be made up to 2 days ahead of time.

In large bowl, toss all salad ingredients with vinaigrette just before serving.

6 Side Salad Servings

  "Better Crocker Christmas Cookbook"