This salad came together so beautifully and it was simple, delicious and versatile. You can change up ingredients and make it your way. The dressing would be delicious on fish or chicken and will keep for a couple of weeks in your fridge. This makes a delicious salad with chicken, salmon, or any protein you’d like to add. I served for lunch for some friends with grilled chicken on the side. This is what I did.

Hope you enjoy!

Ingredients:

Salad

10 oz. spring mix — red butter leaf/ arugula, type of mix or any soft lettuce combo you like — If you’re having 4 or more use 10 oz. I used 5 oz. ( 1 bag of lettuce mix) for just 4

8 oz. small mozzarella balls–cilliegine cheese — if you see mini mozzarella balls those work well too I used the small ones

2 large avocado cut into small chunks

1 pint cherry tomatoes cut up– I just used those mini tomatoes from Trader Joes — any kind of tomatoes will work– whatever you like

1 bell pepper seeded and diced small– red , orange or yellow

1/2 cup pignolli nuts or sunflower seeds I prefer the pignolli so I used them

Salt and Pepper to taste

Salad Dressing

3/4 cup Extra Virgin Olive Oil

1/4 cup champagne vinegar

2 Tbsp. finely minced shallots

2 Tbsp. Fresh Lemon Juice

1-2 Tbsp. Honey — I use 2

2 teaspoon Dijon Mustard I use 2 heaping

1/4 tsp. garlic powder

Kosher Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste

Add lettuce to a large salad bowl– I place washed lettuce in a large salad bowl and toss with a little salt and pepper

Place all ingredients on top and sprinkle a little salt and pepper over them add avocado right before serving

Make the dressing: add all dressing ingredients to a small bowl after measuring them out. Whisk until combined ( a baby size whisk works wonders) or a fork — taste and add a little more vinegar for tang, a touch more honey for sweetness and adjust with salt and pepper

If you’d like dress and toss– I allowed my guests to just dress their own salad — depending on how many people you’re serving.

*dressing will stay fresh in fridge for up to 2 weeks