baby spinach + cherry salad // maple balsamic vinaigrette

 healthy eats- springtime treats- okay that was a bit corny, not corny in a way a corn dog is but corny as in dorky. 98% percent of the time i eat very balanced and healthy diet, first glance of this blog one would think otherwise with all the chocolaty treats that seem to find their way into my posts. i am certainly a believer that a well rounded diet and lifestyle always, I mean ALWAYS has room for dessert or something sweet to end the day. but this post is featuring the flip side; my crunchy, green & raw side- that kinda makes me sound like a hippy biker dude or a rabbit.

when i put together a salad i like to include

a fruit- dried or fresh

a green- of course!

seeds & nuts

this salad happens to include some of  my early summer favorites- baby spinach & cherries

throw in some pepitas & pecans and you have your self a mighty fine salad

for those of you head over heels in love with cheese- goat cheese would be a perfect match for this salad. locally made goat cheese would be even better

 justin strongly believes fruits and nuts do not belong with salad. he digs more of a greek and field greens salad- he is head over heels for anything with olives. me i am smitten with the fruit and nut combo my sis loves the combo of fruit and nuts too- i got her hooked with my candied hazelnut, gorgonzola, pear & cranberry salad; she has since never looked back 

ridiculously easy maple balsamic vinaigrette

4-2-2 ratio- truth is i never really accurately measure when i make dressings.

i pretty much close my eyes shake and taste- the dressing that is

there is no excuse not to make this dressing- making your own dressing is super cheap.super easy.

supa dupa good fo' ya!

the dressings has a tangy sweetness that i can't get enough of

grab a jar and shake it up boys n' girls

 this salad is great on its own or for a summer vbq - what you don't know what a vbq is! sorry you just aren't cool if you haven't been to a vbq- only the cool kids are down with the vbq's. the best part of making this salad was using the cherry pitter my sister got me for my birthday last year- if you don't have one and love cherries i highly suggest you get one- they are great!  

maple balsamic vinaigrette

serves 2 for lunch or 4 as a side

 

you will need:

• 4 parts balsamic vinegar
• 2 parts olive oil
• 2 parts pure maple syrup - pure is key here

in a jam jar or jar with a tight fitting lid pour all ingredients in and shake well

baby spinach & cherry salad

you will need:

• 4 cups baby spinach
• 1/2 cup pecans
• 1/4 pepitas
• 2 cups pitted cherries, stems removed

toss all ingredients in a bowl and serve with the maple balsamic vinaigrette

 

enjoy!

 

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