Strawberry and Goat Cheese Salad

Makes 6 servings

Homemade dressing elevates any salad, and it’s what makes this simple, fresh side so delicious. A little sweet, a little tangy, it’s a surprising blend of just three ingredients, and it’s the perfect complement to the strawberries, pecans, and goat cheese. We serve this salad at all sorts of catered affairs and special events. It’s one of the most requested recipes by guests and other restaurateurs who attend our classes. We’ve held onto the secret until now.

• Dressing
• 1 cup mayonnaise (we use Hellmann’s)
• ½ cup packed light brown sugar
• 3 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
•  
• 8 cups field greens, washed and dried
• 1 pint strawberries, washed, hulled, and sliced
• ½ cup creamy goat cheese (one 4-ounce package)
• ½ cup toasted pecans

For the dressing: Combine the mayonnaise, sugar, and vinegar in a blender and blend until smooth. Add a small bit of water to thin as desired. Decant into a squeeze bottle.

Add the greens and strawberries to a large bowl. Using a fork, break up the goat cheese and sprinkle over the greens. Just before serving, drizzle the salad with the dressing, then sprinkle with the pecans. Serve family-style on a big platter or individual portions on chilled plates.