Our Favorite Summer Salad

One of our favorite summer salads is from a recipe that a friend of mine, Steve, gave to me when I ran into him at Trader Joe's! The dressing is my inclusion - I love vinaigrettes, but don't love all of the chemicals, preservatives, manufactured stuff. So, I went online & found an easy recipe that I played with to make it thicker & zestier! We make this salad at least once a week and often serve it topped with a grilled chicken breast or salmon fillet.

Spinach Salad with Strawberry Vinaigrette (feeds 4)

Strawberry Viniagrette (recipe follows)
1 bag spinach
1 cup crumbled feta cheese
1/2 cup dried blueberries
1/2 cup dried cranberries
1/2 cup candied walnuts

Mix vinaigrette in bottom of bowl; toss remaining ingredients together; serve immediately

Strawberry Vinaigrette

3 tsp strawberry jam or preserves*
2 tbsp balsamic vinegar
4 tbsp olive oil
Salt
Pepper

Whisk jam & vinegar together in bottom of salad bowl; slowly drizzle olive oil in while continuing to whisk, so that dressing can thicken. Season dressing with salt & pepper to taste.

*you can also substitute with raspberry jam or preserves; walnuts can be substituted with pecans or almonds