Be My Valentine (In May)

One of our favorite salads is called A Valentine Salad.  It has strawberries, feta, and candied walnuts (or pecans) with homemade dressing and it's just so delicious.  We make it at least once a week if strawberries are on sale.  I may never have known about this recipe if it wasn't for my visit to California to see my college roommate (Lindsay) and her family (the Parks).  Thanks for such a delicious meal!

A Valentine Salad
Salad:
2 packs of spring mix salad (romaine is good too)
sliced strawberries
sliced cooked chicken (optional)
crumbled feta cheese
candied walnuts (or pecans)

Dressing:
3/4 c. sugar (could probably reduce that but have never tried)
1 1/2 Tbsp. pureed onions
1 c. oil
1/3 c. red wine vinegar
2 Tbsp. balsamic vinegar
2 Tbsp. poppy seed
1 tsp. dry mustard

Blend together in blender and serve over salad. 

Candied Walnuts/Pecans:
1 c. chopped walnuts (pecans)
1/4 c. sugar

Over low/med heat, stir walnuts/pecans and sugar until nuts are lightly browned and sugar is liquid.  Then place the nuts on waxed paper until cool.  Break up the nuts and use as garnish on the salad.

Don't be intimidated about making your own salad dressing.  Just throw all the ingredients in a blender or food processor/chopper and blend.  This salad comes together in no time and tastes great!  Enjoy!

And because the pictures I took of my salad looked gross, here is a picture of Kallie, forever our valentine.