Blackberry Almond Salad

Toni Morrison (born Chloe Ardelia Wofford, February 18, 1931 – August 5, 2019) was an American novelist, essayist, editor, teacher and professor emeritus at Princeton University. She was revered by many as a literary genius. Morrison was the first black woman to receive the Nobel Prize in literature. She leaves behind a legacy of language. Morrison’s words were a fearless reminder of what it means to be human, and to celebrate all forms of black womanhood. In her writing she let fear, pain, love, lust and shame, and joy sit side by side, and walk hand in hand. She published some of the most highly acclaimed novels of all time, including Beloved, Sula, The Bluest Eye, Tar Baby, Song of Solomon and Jazz.

A fresh classic salad classic with blackberries, mixed greens, goat cheese, red onion and smoked almonds, tossed with a creamy balsamic vinaigrette.
Salad Ingredients: 

• Fresh ripe blackberries
• Baby greens mix (I used baby spinach and arugula)
• Soft goat cheese, crumbled
• Red onion slices
• 1/4 cup smoked salted almonds (or any almonds)
• Optional adding in diced cucumbers or zucchini 

Directions: 

• Rinse blackberries and drain on a paper towel lined plate. 
• Place the greens on plates,  top with blackberries, goat cheese crumbles, onions and almonds. Drizzle with the desired amount of vinaigrette dressing and serve.

Classic Creamy Balsamic Vinaigrette 
It's tangy, and easy to make at home. Recipe makes enough for 2 salads. Taste test for flavor balance.  If you like a sweeter dressing add in more maple syrup or honey. 
Ingredients: 

• 2 TB. aged good quality balsamic vinegar or blueberry vinegar
• 1 TB. Dijon mustard
• 1 TB. maple syrup (or honey)
• 1/4 teaspoon salt 
• 6 TB. olive oil

Directions: Mix well in a blender. refrigerate until serving.