Another use for all those greens....

For me, a really good salad needs several key elements.  First, really great greens.  Swiss chard, spinach and boston leaf are at the top of my list - but really I am happy with anything but iceberg (which is the equivalent of eating crunchy water :)  Second, fruit.  Take your pick, strawberries, raspberries, apple, pear, the always popular tomato - I do draw the line at mandarin oranges though - because any fruit that has lived in a can just makes me sad.  Third, a nut.  Now I realize some of you can't indulge here, and I am sorry, but for me a salad needs a nut - my top pick is usually almonds, today I went with pecans.  Fourth element - the cheese.  Here is where a salad really can go over the top.  My pick - goat or blue cheese, but I also love chunks of swiss cheese, or freshly shredded parmesan.  Final element - really good salad dressing.  If you want inspiration for a great easy one - stop over at Pleasantview Schoolhouse for her take on salad and a nice vinagrette.  Today I went for ranch - homemade and absolutely full of garlic deliciousness and a bit of fresh dill to top it off.   Tomorrow I'll post my favorite ranch dressing recipe, and if you have any good dressing recipes to share, do tell!