Always around this time of year I start thinking of good, crisp salads with homemade dressings. With the days getting longer and warmer, albeit a tad slowly, I like the ease of salads for supper. Gone (okay, going) are the one-pot dinners, the casseroles, and the hearty, stick-to-your-ribs soups. For supper tonight I'm having a bowl filled with tender baby spinach leaves, sliced avocado, chopped almonds and crumbled goat cheese, all topped with grilled chicken and finally, drizzled with this simple homemade vinaigrette. This is one of my faves ~ it's sweet, it's tangy, and it reminds me of a dressing that Pagliacci's makes, a really great local restaurant here in Victoria.
Maple Balsamic Vinaigrette
3 tbsp balsamic vinegar
2 tbsp pure maple syrup
1 tsp dijon
2 cloves garlic, minced
1/4 tsp each salt & pepper
2/3 cup good extra virgin olive oil
1/4 cup apple juice
Whisk together first 5 ingredients. Gradually add oil, whisking until well blended. Thin the consistency with apple juice until desired texture is achieved. Enjoy!
