Mixed Berry Salad with Balsamic Vinaigrette Dressing

The first observance of Memorial Day was held on May 30, 1868, to honor soldiers killed in the Civil War. Today, Memorial Day is celebrated on the last Monday in May to honor all Americans who have given their lives during wartime. The event became a federal holiday in 1971.
There are many ways, large and small, to pay tribute on this day to those who lost their lives and those missing in action: displaying a flag, writing a letter or contacting a family who has a missing service member or who has lost a loved one, attending a Memorial Day service/ceremony or parade in your area, and visiting a grave site. Be sure to check your newspapers for other events being held in your area.

Getting together with neighbors, family, and friends is all a part of celebrations. 

Cook's Notes:

This mixed berry salad is light, flavorful, and perfect for a lunch or  a BBQ side. 

Mixed Berry Salad 

The salad is jam-packed with fruit, greens, candied pecans, diced cooked chicken, and cheese crumbles. It's totally customizable to your tastes. I drizzled just a bit of the dressing so you could better see all the ingredients. 

The salad ingredients are listed, not the quantity. It was served with a slice of lemon ricotta cake with an added twist.

The recipe will be posted on Monday. 

Salad Ingredients:

• Mixed greens
• Cooked chicken slices
• Raspberries, blackberries, strawberries
• Mandarin oranges
• Sliced pears
• Cheese or feta crumbles
• Candied pecans  

Directions:

• Make ahead chicken and candied pecans.  
• Mix up salad and drizzle with berry dressing.

Balsamic Vinaigrette Ingredients:

• 4 tablespoons good quality dark balsamic vinegar or Chocolate Balsamic Vinegar
• 1/2 teaspoon Dijon mustard
• 3-4 teaspoons pure maple syrup
• 1/2 teaspoon fine-grain sea salt
• 4 tablespoons Extra Virgin Olive Oil

Directions:

• Add all ingredients to a blender and mix well. Place dressing in a small covered jar and refrigerate until ready to serve.
• When ready to serve, shake the balsamic vinaigrette and add salt and pepper to taste. 

Candied Walnuts 

Ingredients:

• 1 cup walnut halves or chopped walnuts
• 1 tablespoon salted butter
• 1/3 cup dark brown sugar

Directions:

• Heat a medium nonstick skillet over medium heat.
• Add the walnuts, butter, and brown sugar and allow them to melt, stirring with a spatula constantly to coat the walnuts. Turn off the heat once the walnuts are coated and the butter and sugar are fully melted.
• Pour the walnuts onto a piece of parchment paper in one single layer, separating them to prevent them from drying clumped together.
• Allow to dry 2 minutes before putting in an airtight container or enjoying.