Summer strawberry salad with maple balsamic dressing

This is hands down one of my all-time favorite salads. It has juicy summer strawberries, crisp baby spinach and a little bit of spicy red onion. The maple balsamic dressing really adds a sweet yet tart flavor to this salad, helping to bring all of these wonderful flavors together.

Summer strawberry salad with maple balsamic dressing recipe

Yields 2 large main dish salads or 4 smaller side salads

Ingredients:

• 6 cups organic baby spinach
• 1/4 cup red onion, thinly sliced
• 1/2 cup crumbled Gorgonzola cheese
• 1/2 cup strawberries, sliced
• 1/4 cup pecans (optional)
• 1 avocado, sliced
• Croutons (optional)
• 1/4 cup balsamic vinegar
• 3 tablespoons pure maple syrup
• 1 to 2 teaspoons Dijon mustard
• 1/2 cup extra-virgin olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste

Directions:

1. Place the balsamic vinegar, maple syrup, Dijon mustard, salt and pepper into a blender and pulse to combine. With the blender running, add the olive oil in a steady stream until the dressing is mixed well. Taste the dressing to make sure it doesn't need to be seasoned further and set the dressing aside.
2. In a large bowl, add the baby spinach and a few tablespoons of the dressing, tossing well.
3. Plate the spinach and top with the strawberries, Gorgonzola cheese, avocado, red onions, pecans and croutons.
4. Serve extra dressing on the side. Any leftover dressing can be stored in the refrigerator and used within three or four days.

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