SUMMER STRAWBERRY SALAD WITH STRAWBERRY YOGURT DRESSING

“Strawberry fields forever”... is all I keep singing when making this recipe, as well as looking as the picture. It is such a delight of sweetness and summer - hard to get enough! What a great way to consume vitamins, fiber, and antioxidants. Just be sure to add your lean protein of choice on top! 

INGREDIENTS — dressing
½ cup fresh strawberries, washed and cored
¼  cup balsamic vinegar
1 teaspoon honey
½ teaspoon Dijon mustard
¼ cup nonfat Greek yogurt, plain
1 Tablespoon olive oil
1 Tablespoon water
¼ teaspoon salt
freshly ground pepper to taste

INGREDIENTS — salad
4-5 cups romaine, washed, dried and chopped into bite-size pieces (any favorite greens!)
½ cup fresh strawberries, washed and sliced thin
¼ cup roasted walnuts, chopped
¼ cup feta cheese (optional)
freshly ground pepper
Optional protein toppings for a main dish: grilled or blackened chicken, tofu, shrimp

PREPARATION
Place all of the dressing ingredients in a blender. Blend for about 30 seconds, or until smooth. If too thick, add another tablespoon of water at a time until desired consistency. Taste and add more ground pepper as desired. Set aside.

Place salad greens in medium salad bowl. Toss with 3-4 tablespoons of prepared dressing. Top with strawberries, walnuts, feta cheese, and protein. Drizzle with and additional 1–2 teaspoons dressing and freshly ground pepper to taste. Makes 4 servings.