Balsamic and Strawberry Salad with Feta and Glazed Almonds

Balsamic and Strawberry Salad with Feta and Glazed Almonds
Balsamic vinegar and strawberries are one of my favorite flavor combinations.  Here they make a beautiful and colorful salad together with the green lettuces and a little white feta and crunchy glazed almonds. This is a perfect salad for luncheons and dinners any night of the week.  Even better?  This salad is a tried and true kid favorite!  Now you AND the kids can eat your greens...with gusto!   

 salad bowl or platter of romaine, butter lettuce and or spinach leaves

16 ounces strawberries, halved

8 ounces feta cheese, crumbled

2 cups red grapes, halved

½ cup glazed slivered almonds

Toss lettuces in a large salad bowl.  Sprinkle strawberries, red grapes, feta over lettuces and top with glazed almonds.  Drizzle Sweet Dressing over salad just before serving.

Sweet Balsamic Dressing

              

¾ cups sugar

¾ cups balsamic  vinegar

¾ cups canola oil

1 tablespoon dry mustard

1 tablespoon salt

1 teaspoon pepper

Blend all ingredients in blender and refrigerate.  Drizzle over salad just before serving.

  
 

Glazed Almonds

These almonds are delicious and so easy to make.  No need to buy the expensive store bought variety because you can whip these fresh ones up in just a few minutes.  They are so worth it and make a beautiful garnish and presentation on a salad. 

1/4 cup sugar

1 cup slivered almonds

pinch salt

Heat a nonstick frying pan over medium heat.  Add sugar, almonds and salt.  Stir gently and constantly until sugar melts and sizzles a little and almonds brown. (No multitasking while making these!) You've got to be right there stirring until they are done. It will only take a few minutes! When ready to serve salad, toss Glazed Almonds on the salad just before serving, as they will get soggy if left on the salad too long.