Strawberry and Goat Cheese Salad

Serves 4

INGREDIENTS

• 2 cups sliced strawberries

• 2 cups baby arugula

• 2 oz. Chevre goat cheese, crumbled

• 1 cup candied walnuts*

• Champagne Vanilla Dressing

STEPS

1. Combine strawberries, arugula, and walnuts in a bowl.

2. Add dressing to taste and toss salad.

3. Transfer to individual salad plates.

4. Top with crumbled goat cheese and serve.

*Candied walnuts are available at Whole Foods Market.

Champagne Vanilla Dressing

INGREDIENTS

• 1 vanilla bean**

• 3/4 cup extra virgin olive oil

• 4 tbsp champagne vinegar***

• 1 tbsp hot water

• 1 1/2 tbsp honey

• 1/2 tsp Dijon mustard

STEPS

1. Split the vanilla bean and scrape out the seeds.

2. Combine vanilla bean seeds, champagne vinegar, honey, and Dijon mustard in a mixing bowl.

3. Slowly add the extra virgin olive oil and hot water to mix, using a handheld blender on high.

**Whole vanilla beans are available at Sprouts; 1 tsp vanilla extract may be substituted.

***Champagne vinegar is available at Sur La Table and other speciality stores.

Chef Thomas's recipes have been altered and simplified for home cooking.

#salad #dressing #glutenfree #vegetarian