We are celebrating Mother’s Day again this week…  did you happen to see the Mother’s Day Flower Tote I created last week?  If not, you can see this easy DIY project here!  When I used to live in Ohio, I hosted Mother’s Day brunches for mothers and grandmothers over the years.  While planning the menu, I would try to create a healthy main course, yet delicious just the same!  I wanted to share with you a simple main course salad that is perfect for any special occasion and will impress your guests!  What makes this salad so fantastic, is the warm breaded goat cheese patties… it takes a few extra minutes, but SO worth the fuss! I have served this to a few people who “don’t like goat cheese”… and you better believe they thought it was the best part of the salad!

Mixed Greens with Grilled Chicken and Warm Goat Cheese (Served with Balsamic Vinaigrette)

Ingredients:
Mixed Greens  (baby spinach leaves blend well with this salad)
Grilled chicken (can be prepared a day or two ahead of time)
Fresh asparagus (no need to blanche) – cut longer if placing on plate; cut smaller if mixing in bowl
Dried cranberries
Almond slices
Strawberries (washed and sliced)
Goat cheese
Panko crumbs
1 egg
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Dressing:
2/3 cup Olive Oil
1/3 cup Balsamic Vinegar
2 tbsp of honey  (you can add more or less to taste)
1 tsp of dijon mustard (you can add more or less to taste)
Salt  & pepper to taste

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Directions:
1. Prep your salad greens, and place on plate (or bowl – depends on if you are doing individual plates or one large bowl)
2. Add strawberry slices, dried cranberries, fresh aspragus (it tastes great, just raw and crisp) and almonds to mixed greens
3. Slice grilled chicken and lay on top of salad
4. Prepare goat cheese patties as follows:
4a.  Scoop goat cheese into small balls or patties
4b.  Dip into mixed egg 

4c.  Roll in panko crumbs until coated

4d. Fry in really hot oil, until all sides are golden brown – only takes a few minutes; leave in pan on warm until ready to serve

5.  Top it off with the balsamic vinaigrette and serve!

The great part about this salad, is that it is an “all-in-one” meal… you can serve warm pita bread with it for a final touch!

 

This is a perfect salad for a bridal shower as well….  Even if you aren’t hosting a mother’s day event, you can make this for dinner – that’s what I do and my family loves it!

Let me know if you try this salad – would love to hear if you love it as much as I do!

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NEED A FREE MOTHER’S DAY CARD???   Go to I HEART NAP TIME, to download our Anders Ruff Free Printable Card.