Fancy Salad

This salad is easy, delicious, and prettier than the photo shows. I almost called it "girlie" salad--its fan base does not skew towards men or children, although some will eat it. Most ladies LOVE it!This recipe explains ingredients and technique rather than amounts.

spring mix greens (prewashed and dried)
balsamic vinaigrette
goat cheese
craisins
walnuts, toasted and chopped coarsely

Toss greens with the dressing; use your hands. Spread salad on a platter or individual plates. Sprinkle with clumps of goat cheese, then craisins, then walnuts. Serve immediately!

Notes:

• The lettuce starts out fluffy. You'll need a big bowl for mixing, but not as much serving space.
• I don't know of a tasty brand of balsamic vinaigrette. I make my dressing by blending Good Seasons Italian mix, balsamic vinegar, and extra virgin olive oil.
• The lettuce will begin to wilt within the hour, so don't dress it until the last possible moment. (And it doesn't need much dressing, either...) I have made this for parties, though, and it is usually eaten before it looks too bad. ;-)
• For a large batch, I used 1# spring mix and 1/2# of goat cheese. I didn't measure the craisins or nuts--these are pantry staples usually on hand. This filled two oval platters and could probably make 10-16 individual plates.
• I recommend a platter rather than a bowl because it looks better and it's easier to distribute the "goodies" if they're scattered across the top of the salad. Once you try mixing it all together, you'll find the greens on top, covering up everything else.