summer salad

summer is (unofficially) upon us, horray!  let's break out the white jeans, fire up the grill and enjoy all things bright, colorful, and delicious.

here is one of my favorite go-to salads for summer:

watermelon salad
- leafy greens (i used a "spring mix" that I already had on hand in my fridge)
- watermelon (cubed or balled)
- crumbled feta cheese
- sliced red onions
- candied almond slivers*
- balsamic vinaigrette dressing**

*candied almond slivers
- 1 cup slivered almonds
- 3/4 cup white granulated sugar

combine almonds and sugar in a saucepan over medium high heat.  stir mixture as it is heating up to prevent burning.  sugar will begin to melt and coat almonds.  reduce heat to medium.  continue stirring almonds until they have started to brown. immediately remove from heat.  almonds will continue to brown slightly.  spread out onto parchment paper or aluminum foil to cool.  break up chunks before sprinkling on salad.

**balsamic vinaigrette
1/3 cup olive oil
1/3 cup balsamic vinegar
2 teaspoons sugar
1/2 teaspoon dried basil
1/4 teaspoon dry mustard
1/8 teaspoon black pepper
1 clove of garlic (minced)

combine all ingredients in a container with a lid.  shake vigorously before using.

a little bit crunchy, a little bit sweet, a little bit cold and refreshing.  ahhhhh, the perfect light lunch.

happy salad making friends!