A salad should never be “just” a salad.  It deserves a little more love than that.

I spotted a dressing online and before I could even try it, my girlfriend made it FOR us while we were visiting.  It was as good as I had hoped.  I’ve been varying a few ingredients, to make my own version.

Making a salad can be so mundane.  You can do it, just to do it.  Or because someone told you “you should.”  So many things in life like this.  Folding laundry.  Doing dishes.  Picking up after kids.  Changing diapers.  But each time is an opportunity to find beauty in the routine.  I’d be lying if I said, it’s easy to be faithful in these rhythm of life tasks, but there’s so much to be said for cheerfulness in the doing.  Life is short, and mostly full of daily usuals.  And so… enjoy, find joy, and wink at that list of things to do.  Most of it is a privilege anyway.

Therefore, I give you the humble salad.  Dressed beautifully, thoughtfully, and tastefully.  This will NOT disappoint.

Salad with Citrus Almond Butter Dressing

Serves 4

Salad:

4-6 cups mixed greens

1 bell pepper, julienned

12 grapes halved

3 tbls crumbed goat cheese

3 tbls roasted pepitas

Salt and pepper

Dressing:

3 tbls almond butter

1 tbls olive oil

4 tbls fresh citrus juice (I like half meyer lemon and half orange)

2 tbls water

1 tbls honey Dijon mustard

2 tsp honey

1 clove garlic, fine mince

1/2 tsp salt

For the original recipe with more pictures, detail and assembly, please visit www.thejoyfultable.blogspot.com