Spring Sunshine Salad With Citrus Parmesan Dressing

Ingredients

• 6-8 handfuls mixed salad greens, washed and dried well (or butter lettuce)
• 1-2 medium oranges, sectioned, pith removed, cut in half
• 1 avocado, thinly sliced
• 1/2 cup toasted nuts (sliced almonds, pine nuts, walnuts, etc)
• 1/2 cup sliced spring onion (scallions, or green onions)
• parmesan cheese, shavings to garnish

Citrus Parmesan Dressing

• 1/3 cup freshly grated parmesan cheese
• 2 oranges, zest and juice of
• 2 tablespoons chopped shallots (or red onion, or scallions)
• 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
• 1 cup extra-virgin olive oil
• 1/4 teaspoon lemon juice
• 2 pinches salt
• 2 pinches pepper

Directions

1. 1

   Salad:.

2. 2

   Wash and dry salad greens well and place them in a large bowl.

3. 3

   Add orange pieces, nuts, and onions.

4. 4

   Toss well with the Citrus Parmesan Dressing .

5. 5

   Add the avocado and toss the salad gently, so as not to mush the avocado.

6. 6

   Sprinkle with some Parmesan shavings(using a vegetable peeler).

7. 7

   Citrus Parmesan Dressing:.

8. 8

   In a bowl combine the grated Parmesan, orange zest and juice, and the shallots.

9. 9

   Whisk in the red wine vinegar.

10. 10

    Whisk in the olive oil and finish by seasoning with salt and pepper.

11. 11

    Or you may use a jar and shake the dressing.

12. 12

    A few more ideas from Heidi:.

13. 13

    Gently heat the dressing and toss with spinach, for a warm, slightly wilted dinner salad.

14. 14

    Use the vinaigrette as a marinade.

15. 15

    Use it to toss with pasta (stuffed cheese filled pasta is an especially good choice).