Green Salad - with some goodies & balsamic dressing

I first tried this salad when my sister made it. Since then I've made it several times, and it's definitely a favorite for all the family who has tried it! It's the perfect summer salad... if summer ever arrives, that is. :)

Ingredients:

For the sugared pecans:

1 cup pecan pieces

4 tablespoons of sugar

For the salad:

6 oz. baby spinach

1 head red leaf lettuce, torn

1 Granny Smith apple, cored, and very thinly sliced

4 oz. crumbled feta OR blue cheese (I always use feta)

For the dressing:

1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped (I don't usually use onion because some people don't like it)

3 tbsp. red wine vinegar

3 tbsp. balsamic vinegar

1/2 cup olive oil

2 tbsp. sugar

1 clove garlic, minced

1/4 tsp. salt

1/8 tsp. pepper

Directions:

Place pecans in medium skillet with the 4 tbsp. of sugar. Cook over medium-high heat until nuts are coated and brown, stirring constantly (about 5 minutes). Set aside. (If you haven't ever candied nuts before... the sugar kind of turns into liquid, and it covers the nuts).

Combine dressing ingredients in a small jar and shake vigorously (I usually use a blender). Pour over salad just before serving. Sprinkle with the candied pecans.

From the kitchen of Angie W.