Summer Salad with Strawberries, Tomatoes and Bacon with a Balsamic Vinaigrette

A FORKFUL OF SUMMER

A sweet and savory salad, fresh and bright perfect for any warm weather occasion. 
Fresh sliced strawberries and cherry tomatoes add pops of red to this mixed green salad, with savory bacon bits drizzled all over with a balsamic vinaigrette, topped with honey-roasted walnuts. Small pearl or chunks of mozzarella pair well with this salad.  Add in shredded rotisserie chicken or cooked whole grains for more protein. A combination of yellow and red cherry tomatoes adds a contrast. Prep ingredients ahead for easier assembly.

Recipe adapted from southernliving.com  

Summer Salad with Strawberries, Tomatoes, and Bacon with a Balsamic Vinaigrette 

Salad Ingredients:

• 1 bag of greens (Spring Mix) 
• Strawberries
• Cooked bacon, crumbled
• Cherry tomatoes (red and yellow) halved 
• Mozzarella chunks or Pearl sized mozzarella balls
• Honey Roasted Walnuts ( bag found in produce) 
• Optional red onion rings

Directions:

• Mix ingredients and add walnuts last.

Balsamic Vinaigrette

Cook's Notes: This is my to-go dressing that goes well with most salads. Be sure to use a high-quality balsamic. The dressing can be refrigerated in a screw-type jar and is enough for 4 salads. Be sure to taste test before serving as may need a little more salt and/or honey. It takes all but 5 minutes to make. 

Ingredients:

• 1/4 cup dark balsamic vinegar
• 1/4 cup olive oil
• 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard 
• 1 teaspoon honey 
• 1 large garlic clove, minced
• Salt and pepper

Directions:

• Mix in a blender, refrigerate until needed. Will need to reshake as it is thick.