Summer Salad with Champagne Vinaigrette

Summertime is almost here, and along with the sun and the fun comes the food!!! Watermelon, cucumber, iced tea – it’s all so refreshing!

And one of my favorite things to do – especially in the summer – is to make refreshing salads. To kick it up a notch, I add fruit to my greens.

Try this summer salad with strawberries, nectarines, cucumbers, avocado and oh so much more! Top it will some champagne vinaigrette and you have a recipe for your new favorite summer meal!

Here is what you will need:

1 handful butter lettuce, chopped
2 hands full of mixed greens
6-7 strawberries, washed and chopped
1 nectarine, sliced
1 avocado, sliced
2 tbsp (about 2 inches) thinly sliced cucumber, peeled
2 tbsp thinly sliced red onion
1 handful sugar snap peas, chopped
1 1/2 tbsp toasted pecans
16 toasted hazelnuts, chopped
A pinch of sea salt and pepper

For the vinaigrette:

2 tbsp champagne vinegar
6 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
1 tsp dijon mustard
1 tsp honey
1 clove garlic, minced
1/2 tsp dried thyme
1/4 tsp sea salt
1/4 tsp pepper

1. Place all salad ingredients in a bowl, and drizzle with 2 tbsp of dressing. Toss. If you need more dressing, add another tablespoon.

Enjoy!