I spend quite a lot of time on this blog. I plan out the recipes I want to share, what ingredients I want to use, how I want to write about them, how I want the finished product to look in the photos, etc.
I take the time to think about what might be good to share with you all — what would be interesting and enticing.
I have lists — lots of lists. Some lists have different recipes I’ve tried over the years and on which I want to make changes to improve before sharing them. Some lists are ideas I’ve never tried, but would like to some day. And some lists are recipes I know I want to share but I need to get around to making them and actually taking pictures.
And then there are the recipes I make — without even really thinking about them — on a regular basis at home for my family. Recipes without written recipes. Like this Simple Salad with Balsamic Vinaigrette.
This is my go-to salad. In fact, it’s so much my go-to salad, I neglected to realize I can even share it with you all because of how “normal” it is in our home.
Now, “normal” in this sense by no meals ordinary. This is an awesome salad. It makes a great side salad or even a main course if you want to add some protein like grilled chicken or steak to it. By “normal,” I simply mean it’s my dependable, easy and, well, go-to choice. Um, isn’t that what this blog is all about?
Having said all that, I’d like to share with you this lovely salad recipe with a very basic, but tasty, balsamic vinaigrette. This is the salad and salad dressing I use in a pinch that never seems to fail me. It’s a comfort thing…it’s always there and it’s always good. My kinda recipe.
And, now, it’s yours to use as well.
Watch me make the super tasty and easy balsamic vinaigrette for this salad:
Simple Salad with Balsamic Vinaigrette
Are you tired of your boring old ranch dressing? This post will show you the exact steps on how to whip up this easy balsamic vinaigrette that will take your salads to the next level and with recipe suggestions too!
- 1/3 cup good quality balsamic vinegar
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/4 cup good quality olive oil
- 2 cups mixed baby greens or spring mix
- 1 large tomato cut into eights
- 1/4 cup crumbled feta cheese
- 1/4 red onion very thinly sliced
- pinch freshly ground black pepper
- handful of whole wheat croutons
- optional: sliced grapes sliced mushrooms, sliced avocado, sliced green onions
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For the dressing, pour balsamic vinegar in a small mixing bowl and black pepper. – should say …balsamic vinegar and black pepper in a small mixing bowl.
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Add the mixed baby greens, tomato, feta, red onion and half of the croutons, to a medium-to-large mixing bowl. Add 2-3 tbsp. Balsamic Vinaigrette dressing to the salad and toss. Add remaining croutons and any additional dressing to suit your preferences and toss again. The ingredients should all be lightly coated with the dressing but not drenched. Serve immediately.
A simple salad sounds great.
Definately trying this ASAP. I love Balsamic Vinaigrette so much. It is absolutely my go-to salad as well. I’m craving this salad along with your Chicken Caeser. Both of these are the only salads I can get my husband to eat. These will be perfect for healthier dinners at our house!
Thanks so much!
Yay! Did you check out my Spinach and Strawberry Salad? That used to be the only salad I could get Dustin to eat. 🙂
I have just read…or at least skimmed you entire blog.
My homework is no closer to being done,
and I think I was reading it at a strange angle, because my eyes feel weird now…
So worth it! Can’t wait to try out some of your recipes!
Especially the Watermelon Sorbet!
Can’t wait to read more!
Thanks, Fiona! (Sorry about your homework) 😉
Balsamic vinaigrette is my favourite!!
Right? Me too. Thanks for stopping by, Tara!
Is it wrong to want this for breakfast? I’m reading this at 8:12am, and I would totally sit down and eat a big bowl of it right now. I love simple, flavor-packed salads, and this one is a keeper. Thanks for sharing it, Lacey.
There will be no judging from me, Jeanne 😉