Strawberry Goat Cheese Salad

A perfectly light and refreshing salad, always a hit at BBQ's. Some people are instantly turned off just hearing goat cheese, but I assure you this salad is family friendly, and has never disappointed even the pickiest of eaters. Just forget to mention there's goat cheese in it!

Salad:
1 lb. fresh baby spinach
1 head bibb lettuce (torn)
1 pint strawberries (sliced)
4 oz. crumbled goat cheese
1/2 cup red onion (thinly sliced)
1/4 cup toasted walnuts (finely chopped)

Dressing:
1/3 cup raspberry vinegar (Any like-fruit flavored vinegar will suffice, or plain old red wine)
1/4 cup sugar
1/4 cup canola oil
1 TBSP. poppy seeds
2 tsp. dried minced onions
1/4 tsp. salt

1. Simply combine all salad ingredients in a bowl.
2. Combine all dressing ingredients (omit oil) in a bowl.
3. Slowly whisk oil into dressing.
4. Pour over salad, immediately serve.


If you are working on this alone, my next post will be a tip on how to easily pour in oil and whisk away, while keeping the bowl steady. No need for a third hand!

3 Bean Salad

Eating traditional, mostly lettuce, salads on hot days like today could become extremely monotonous. Occasionally switching to a bean salad adds variety and some extra protein to your diet. Here is a refreshing 3 bean salad thats full of flavor, while remaining guilt and lettuce free!

2 medium limes
1/2 jar chunky salsa (12 oz. jar)
1/3 cup vegetable oil
1/2 tsp. cumin (optional)
1 1/2 tsp. chili powder
1 can black beans (~16 oz, drained)
1 can red kidney beans (~16 oz, drained)
1 can chick peas (~16 oz, drained)
2 celery stalks (thinly sliced)
1 small red onion (thinly sliced)
1 medium tomato (diced, red bell pepper makes a good replacement)
fresh pepper (to taste)
chopped parsley (garnish, optional)

1. Squeeze lime juice into large bowl, stir in salsa, oil, chili powder, salt, and cumin.
2. Add beans, celery, onions, and tomatoes.
3. Toss to mix thoroughly without destroying the beans.
4. Check seasoning, add salt and pepper to taste.
5. Serve at room temperature.