Walnut Raisin Salad with Lemon Dressing

I can't believe it is April already. How is 2013 already a quarter of the way over?  And, where is Spring hiding? Here in the northeast, we're still dealing with highs in the 30's and 40's this week. I'm ready to open the windows for some fresh air but Mother Nature refuses to cooperate! In honor of the Spring-to-be, here's a nice light salad recipe to get you in the mood for the impending warmer weather.

If you like salads, you will love this one. Even if you don't like salads, you'll probably like this one anyway. A few simple ingredients blend together for a simply divine masterpiece of a salad.

The salad part is easy. I usually use hearts of romaine or baby spinach, whatever happens to be on sale at the grocery store that week. Top it with a tablespoon or 2 or 3 of walnuts, raisins, and gorgonzola cheese. This salad is easy to customize. If you like sweeter, add more raisins. If you like saltier, add more cheese. Feta is also a good substitution for the gorgonzola if you want  a little bit of a milder taste.

But the real star of the show is the simple dressing. Its only 4 ingredients: olive oil, fresh squeezed lemon juice, oregano and salt. I'll give you my basic measurements, but I have to admit, I rarely measure the ingredients exactly. Just taste it as you go - you'll figure out the proportions that work for your tastes. 

This recipe probably sounds too easy to be good, but trust me - it is amazingly good!

 

Walnut Raisin Salad with Lemon Dressing

For Salad:

2 cups baby spinach

2 Tablespoons chopped walnuts

2 Tablespoons golden raisins or regular raisins

2 Tablespoons Gorgonzola cheese

For Dressing:

2 Tablespoons Extra Virgin Olive Oil

1 Tablespoon freshly squeezed lemon juice

1/2 tsp salt

1 tsp oregano

Whisk together all dressing ingredients until well blended. Adjust to taste. Serve over salad ingredients and enjoy!