Summer salad with berries & goat cheese

For a cool, healthy meal on a hot day

I go through phases with salads. Last summer I was big on pears with dried cranberries, nuts, and goat cheese. This summer I'm all about berries, avocado, and — well — still goat cheese. Goat cheese makes the salad world go 'round. Maybe this one doesn't seem revolutionary, but as my mom likes to point out "This would be a $12 restaurant salad!" She's right. And it's so easy. It's all in the mix! 

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SUMMER SALAD WITH BERRIES & GOAT CHEESE

WHAT YOU'LL NEED
Bag of butter lettuce
Handful of strawberries, chopped
Half or whole avocado, chopped 
Handful of crumbled goat cheese (don't confuse with American feta)
Handful of chopped walnuts or pecans
Small handful of dried cranberries
Vinaigrette dressing (I'm loving Brianna's right now)
Smattering of sunflower seeds (optional) 
Handful of fresh blueberries or blackberries (optional)
Grilled chicken, chopped (optional) 

WHAT YOU'LL DO
Toss it all together! 

If desired, add a little salt and pepper to enhance the flavors. 

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A few things of note: Butter lettuce is giving me life right now. Try it, you'll love it. As for the cheese, most American-made fetas are actually made from cow's milk. The flavor and texture are totally different! Get yourself some authentic goat cheese. If you can't find it crumbled, buy the log form and crumble it yourself. Lastly I have to thank my friend Shea for introducing me to Brianna's dressing. I'd always seen it but never tried it — now I'm a huge fan. The french vinaigrette is great for this salad, as is the champagne caper.