This Strawberry and Citrus Salad with a Simple Vinaigrette can give you a Summer Feeling any Time of Year
Serves 6, as a side dish
Ingredients:
- 1 Head of Lettuce
- 2 Cup Strawberries
- 1 Large or 2 Small Carrots
- 2 Mandarin Oranges
- ½ Cup Walnuts, Roughly Chopped
- Handful of Mint (optional)
- For the Vinaigrette:
- ¼ Cup Olive Oil
- 2 tbsp of Balsamic Vinegar
- 1 tsp of Honey
- 1 tsp Dijon Mustard
- Salt and Pepper to taste
Directions:
1. Remove and discard the root end of the lettuce. Roughly chop or tear the leaves, then rinse in a large colander or salad spinner. Set aside to dry.
2. Thinly slice the strawberries, then add them to a large bowl. Scrub or peel the carrots. Using either a sharp knife or a vegetable peeler, shave the carrots into long ribbons, then add them to the bowl of strawberries.
3. Peel and segment the mandarins. Add them, and the walnuts, to the large bowl.
*Note* You can use different nuts, pumpkin or sunflower seeds, or even croutons instead of the walnuts.
4. To make the vinaigrette, combine the olive oil, balsamic vinegar, honey and mustard in a mason jar, along with a pinch each of salt and pepper. Tightly seal the jar, and then shake for at least 15 seconds, until everything has combined. Taste the dressing and add more salt and pepper if you desire.
5. Add the lettuce to the large bowl, then pour the dressing over everything. Gently toss to combine evenly, making sure to bring everything up from the bottom of the bowl.
6. If using, thinly slice the mint leaves, and sprinkle them over the salad. Enjoy!
