Balsamic Berry Salad with Candied Pecans

A tangy, fruity salad that pairs well with a warm summer evening.

Ingredients

  • 2 tbsp butter
  • 2 tbsp brown sugar
  • 1 cup pecan halves
  • 6 cups torn green leaf or romaine lettuce (or optionally spinach leaves)
  • 1-½ cups sliced strawberries
  • 1-½ cups blueberries
  • ¼ cup crumbled blue cheese
  • ½ cup balsamic vinaigrette

Directions

In a small skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Stir in brown sugar and pecans; coat thoroughly. Continue cooking over medium heat for approximately 3 minutes until sugar begins to caramelize. Spread out pecans on a wax paper-lined baking sheet to cool.

Combine greens, strawberries, blueberries, pecans, and blue cheese. Add balsamic dressing and toss to coat. Serve immediately.

Note: If prepared in advance, don't add the dressing until ready to serve. Otherwise the strawberries begin to break down in the dressing.