Chopped Strawberry Balsamic Salad


 

When Siena started eating more and more solid foods I was determined to have her try EVERYTHING. This was in hopes that if/when we hit the picky eater stage it would be less brutal.

I made it a point to eat with Siena as often as I could. Hoping that if she saw me eating certain things her curiosity would cause her to try things. It worked, one day she reached over and grabbed a leaf of salad off my plate! I was shocked because I didn’t think she was ready for that. However, to this day she still eats salad. Only with this homemade dressing, but whatever she eats it.

I always tried to feed Siena some version of what we were eating for dinner. Making sure I had one sure bet on her plate, and one “try me bite” type option. The same rings true today, however the “try me bite” is a little bit harder to sell at the moment. I have always tried to come up with ways to feed us both without having to make 10 different things. The salad is great because she can put what she wants in hers and I can add to mine. Plus, some days she is more adventurous than others and will go for something new offered in the line up.


 
 

ingredients

  • 10 oz of baby spinach and butter lettuce or mixed greens

  • 1 cup strawberries, sliced

  • 1 cup mozzarella balls (celigene style)

  • 1/2 cup baby cucumbers sliced

  • radishes (optional)

  • avocado (optional)

Dressing

  • 1/4 cup olive oil

  • 1 tbsp balsamic vinegar

  • 2 tsp honey

  • 1 tsp shallot, chopped

  • 2 tsp dijon mustard

  • kosher salt- to taste

  • pepper-to taste

  • 1/2 tsp dried oregano

instructions

  1. Pre-wash and dry your lettuce, strawberries, and any other produce you may want to use in the salad.

  2. Give the lettuce a rough chop and add to a large bowl.

  3. Slice the strawberries and mozzarella balls, add them to the salad bowl.

  4. If desired, add in the avocado, radishes, and cucumbers.

    Dressing

  5. In a small bowl whisk together ingredients until well combined.

  6. Pour over salad, and toss gently to incorporate!

RECIPE NOTES: