Spinach Berry Salad with Blackberry Balsamic Vinaigrette

Enjoy this colorful summer salad when blackberries are at their peak.

Salad Ingredients:                                            

8 cups baby spinach or mixed greens

4 oz. chevre, crumbled

1 cup walnuts or pecans, toasted

1 pint fresh blackberries

Blackberry Balsamic Vinaigrette Ingredients:

½ cup strained *blackberry juice

¼ cup extra-virgin olive oil

2 Tbsp. balsamic vinegar

½ teaspoon dried thyme

Pinch of salt and pepper

To Make Blackberry Balsamic Vinaigrette:  Whisk together all ingredients until well-blended.  Season with additional salt and pepper if needed.

Tip:  To make the *blackberry juice, just puree blackberries in a food processor or mash with the back of a spoon.  Strain through a fine-mesh sieve.

Toss together spinach, chevre, walnuts, and blackberries.  Drizzle with the blackberry balsamic vinaigrette.

Recipe by Linda, picture by Starla