This salad was a progression to perfection.  I’m really liking the French way of first whisking the vinegrette directly in the salad bowl, then layering beginning with the least fragile ingredients and topping with the greens.  When it comes time to serve, just toss. The greens will have stayed separate from the vinegrette and not all wilty and soppy Perfect!

THE PERFECT SALAD

what you will need for 2 servings

1 tbsp balsamic vinegar

1 tbsp mayonaise

1 tsp Dijon mustard

1 tsp maple syrup

1 minced clove garlic

2-3 tbsp olive oil

salt and pepper

2 green onions, chopped

1 cup chopped tomatoes

1 cup chopped grilled chicken (no grilled chicken well why not open a can of tuna instead or make it vegetarian and add some pumpkin seeds and nuts?)

1/2 cup chopped fresh herbs of choice (basil and parsely here)

4 cups fresh greens

1/4 cup grated Parmesan

tossing it together

Whisk together the vinegar, mayo, mustard, garlic and maple syrup.

Next add the olive oil a tablespoon at a time.  Season.

Next start layering.  Onions.

Tomatoes.

Chicken and herbs.

Finally top with your fresh greens.

…and a generous sprinkling of Parmesan.

The perfect meal in a bowl!