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Sometimes in the winter it’s fun to create dishes that transport you to a warm, summery spot. This particular salad does just that. The fresh, bright flavors remind me of a sweet summer day in the dappled light of a pretty gazebo. Make yourself a pitcher of iced tea with lemon and one of these salads and see if you don’t agree.

for one salad:

baby spinach, arugula or spring greens

sunflower seeds or chopped pecans

gorgonzola cheese or chevre, crumbled

a few thin slices of purple onion

1 cup cooked, chilled, chopped chicken (leftover rotisserie chicken works well)

1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves (plus a few more whole sprigs for garnish)

1/2 cup fresh raspberries

homemade or store bought croutons (optional)

a sprinkle of sea salt and freshly ground black pepper

3 to 4 Tablespoons Kicky Raspberry Dijon Vinaigrette (recipe below)

Compose salad on a big plate so it looks pretty. Drizzle with the dressing and serve immediately.

Kicky Raspberry Dijon Vinaigrette:

1/4 cup raspberry preserves

1/4 cup apricot preserves

1/4 cup white balsamic vinegar or raspberry vinegar

1/4 cup sweet chili sauce or sweet & sour sauce

1 Tablespoon Dijon mustard

1 teaspoon smoked paprika

1 teaspoon onion powder

1/4 teaspoon garlic powder

1/4 teaspoon white pepper

Place all ingredients in a medium mixing bowl. Whisk until smooth. Pour into a jar or cruet. This dressing will keep in your refrigerator for a month.

Enjoy!

~Melissa