Serves 4 / This is my go-to salad recipe: works every time, couldn’t be simpler, and is always a hit. Prep tip: Vary the dressing by using a different vinegar, such as white balsamic, raspberry, champagne, rice, or tarragon; simply adjust sweetness or tartness to taste.
4 ounces (about 4 handfuls) any type of leafy greens: spinach, arugula, red leaf, green leaf, butter lettuce, or a mixture
1-2 ounces crumbled or grated cheese: goat cheese, blue, feta, Parmesan
1/4 cup (about a palmful) toasted chopped nuts: walnuts, pecans, slivered or sliced almonds, pine nuts
1/2 cup chopped fresh or dried fruit: raspberries, peaches, apples, pears, dried cranberries, pomegranate seeds, strawberries, kiwi (choose one or two)
World’s Simplest Salad Dressing
2 tablespoons good-quality extra-virgin olive oil (or more to taste)
2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
1/2-1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
1 1/2 teaspoons agave nectar or honey
Pinch of salt
1. Whisk all salad dressing ingredients together in a small bowl and set aside.
2. Toss greens, cheese, nuts, and fruit in a large salad bowl. Drizzle with dressing. (Start with less than you usually use; let the fresh ingredients take center stage. You can always add more dressing later.) Toss gently and serve immediately.
PER SERVING (with half of the dressing): 124 cal, 72% fat cal, 11g fat, 2g sat fat, 6mg chol, 4g protein, 6g carb, 2g fiber, 69mg sodium