This salad brings much needed lightness to an otherwise rich and hearty meal. The sweet fruit flavors really pop through the balsamic dressing, and give a unique taste to the dish.
8 cups mixed salad greens
1/4 cup red onion, chopped
1 cup dried cherries
1 cup walnuts
1/8 cup extra-virgin olive oil
1/4 cup balsamic vinegar*
Salt and pepper to taste
1. In a large bowl, place approximately 8 cups of the mixed salad greens. Toss the red onion with the greens, and add the dried cherries and walnuts.
2. In a separate small mixing bowl, whisk together the olive oil and the balsamic vinegar. Sprinkle the salad with salt and pepper to taste, and serve tossed.
Yield: serves 12
* We like fig or cherry-flavored balsamic vinegar. You can make your own fruit-infused vinegars by steeping the fruit in the vinegar for a few days and straining.
For more great recipes, check out this weeks issue of Whisk by Ami
