Strawberry Spinach Salad

Ingredients

• 1/4 cup balsamic vinegar
• 1/2 teaspoon Dijon mustard
• 2 tablespoons honey or maple syrup
• 1 tablespoon poppy seeds
• Fine sea salt and black pepper
• 1/3 cup olive oil or any other mild oil such as avocado oil
• 1/2 small red onion very thinly sliced
• 8 to 10 ounces baby spinach or mesclun mix
• 1 pint strawberries (hulled and cut in half or if they are big, into 3 sliced)
• 1 avocado (pitted, peeled and chopped)
• 1/3 cup chopped candied pecans
• 4 ounces crumbled goat cheese or feta cheese

Instructions

1. 1

   In a small bowl, whisk together the balsamic vinegar, Dijon mustard, honey, poppy seeds, salt and pepper. Gradually and slowly, whisk in the oil so the vinaigrette emulsifies which makes it a bit creamy. Set aside.

2. 2

   In a platter or shallow bowl, layer the salad greens, strawberries, avocado and onions. Add the pecans and the cheese. Drizzle the dressing (as little or as much as you want) and toss. Serve.