Hosting With Confidence || Go-To Homemade Salad Dressing - Southern State of Mind Blog by Heather

It’s week 3 of the Hosting with Confidence Series to help inspire confident and effortless hosting! I am loving this simple series to keep me organized and hope that you are enjoying it too. This week, we are making a Go-To Homemade Salad Dressing. When my friend served this at our Neighborhood Favorite Things Brunch, I immediately asked her for the recipe. Now every time I serve this salad, I get asked for the recipe!

SAN FRANCISCO SALAD

DRESSING

1/2 cup red wine vinegar or balsamic vinegar
1/2 cup olive oil or vegetable oil
1 cup finely chopped parsley
1/2 cup finely chopped red onion
2 tablespoons sugar
1 garlic clove, minced
1 teaspoon oregano
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon pepper

Peppered Walnuts (I use store bought to simplify!)

3 tablespoons butter
1 cup walnut halves
1/2 cup sugar
1 tablespoon pepper

Salad

1 (10 ounce) package mixed salad greens
3/4 cup dried cranberries
8 ounces feta cheese, crumbled (I’ve also used goat cheese)

For the dressing, combine the vinegar, oil, parsley onion, sugar, garlic, oregano, salt and pepper in a blender and process until smooth. The dressing can be made several days in advance. Store, covered, in the refrigerator.

For the walnuts, melt the butter in a small skillet and add the walnuts. Saute until light brown. Stir together the sugar and pepper in a bowl. Drain the walnuts and add to the sugar mixture tossing to coat. Shake off any excess sugar mixture with a slotted spoon.

For the salad, combine the greens, dried cranberries, cheese and walnuts in a large bowl and mix well. Add the dressing and toss just before serving.

Serves 8.