Green Salad with Strawberries and Strawberry Vinaigrette

At the end of January, I joined a 12-week weight loss competition.  Well, I didn't really compete; I just joined the group for the motivation and support.  Anyway, our 12 weeks ended Sunday, and to celebrate, we had a pot luck!  I never know what to take to pot lucks to begin with, but when it's with people who have just finished 12 weeks of losing weight, it's even more difficult deciding what to take.  Just because the competition's over doesn't mean anyone should start eating a bunch of junk - that would be counter-productive to what we've just accomplished.  So, after racking my brain, I decided a salad would be the safe bet.  As I thought about different salads I could take, my brain went to strawberries (which just happen to be on sale for 99 cents/lb this week).  At a work pot luck, one of my coworkers had once brought a delicious green salad with strawberries!  So I scoured the internet for recipes and settled on this one by Rachel Ray.  Of course, I did make a few slight alterations!  I apologize for the lack of pictures, but this is a pretty simple recipe.

Green Salad with Strawberries and Strawberry Balsamic Vinaigrette
Green lettuce (any type will do, but I used a mixture of Romaine and spinach)
Sliced almonds
Strawberries, sliced
Strawberry Balsamic Vinaigrette (recipe below)

Combine all ingredients and toss.  Serve immediately.  Note: this would probably be good with some feta added, but I didn't have any on hand.


Strawberry Balsamic Vinaigrette
3 Tbsp olive oil
1 Tbsp balsamic vinegar
3-4 tsp strawberries jam or preserves
Salt and pepper to taste

Combine olive oil, vinegar, and jam.  Combine well; add salt and pepper to taste.  I made a large salad, so I doubled the dressing and had just a little extra.