Greens with Strawberry and Pecans

Here’s a nice way to make your salad not boring! The nice sweetness from the candied pecans and the freshness of the strawberries make the best toppings for this salad. Eat it as a side dish or main dish, it’s up to you ! I even make extra candied pecans to snack on!

Ingredients:

-Arugula or Spring Mix

-1 cup strawberries, quartered

For Pecans:

1 cup raw pecan halves

2 tbsp olive oil

2 tbsp brown sugar

1 tsp salt

1/4 tsp cinnamon

1/8 tsp cayenne pepper, optional

For Balsamic Dressing:

1/3 cup balsamic vinegar

2 tbsp maple syrup

3 tbsp olive oil

2 tbsp red onion

1/2 tsp salt

1/8 tsp black pepper

Preheat oven to 350F. In a mixing bowl, mix olive oil, brown sugar, salt, cinnamon and cayenne pepper then put aside. In a lined baking sheet, roast pecans for 5 minutes. Transfer pecans into the bowl with mixture and toss around until coated evenly. Place pecans back in the baking sheet and roast for 7 minutes. Careful not to burn it. Set aside and let it cool.

In a blender, combine all DRESSING ingredients and blend until onion is no longer in big pieces.

In a salad plate, arrange your choice of greens, top with strawberries and pecans. Drizzle the balsamic dressing. Enjoy!