Strawberry Mâche Salad with Goat Cheese, Almonds and Aged Balsamic

Juicy, ripe strawberries provide a sweet foundation for this light summer salad of delicate lamb’s lettuce (mâche), salty goat cheese, crunchy almonds and viscous vinegar.  Mâche is a mild type of salad without as much earthy flavor as other lettuces, and is a good option when you’re trying to highlight other items.  Simple and clean, the use of excellent ingredients makes the salad feel indulgent while being healthy at the same time.  Keep the goat cheese under an ounce per portion and it’s truly guilt free…

Difficulty: Easy

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Serves 2

Ingredients:

8 medium strawberries

2 oz. (60g) crumbled goat cheese

2 oz. (60g) almonds, coarsely chopped

3-4 cups mâche salad greens, cleaned & loosely packed

2 Tbsp. (30ml) extra virgin olive oil

sea salt & pepper

2 Tbsp. (30ml) aged balsamic vinegar

Technique:

• Slice strawberries ¼” thick, season with ½T olive oil and fresh pepper; arrange around the perimeter of the plates.
• Season salad with remaining 1 ½T olive oil, and a light sprinkle of salt and pepper.  Toss the greens with the goat cheese and almonds, arrange on the plates, and drizzle with balsamic vinegar.