Summer Salad with Bacon, Feta Cheese, Walnuts, and Berries

Ingredients:

• 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
• 1 tablespoon finely chopped shallot (from 1 shallot)
• 1 ½ teaspoons honey
• ½ teaspoon Dijon mustard
• 3 cups sliced strawberries (from 1 lb. fresh strawberries), divided
• ¾ teaspoon kosher salt, divided
• ¼ cup extra-virgin olive oil
• 5 cups baby spring mix (from 2 [5-oz.] pkg.)
• 1 (4-oz.) feta cheese block, crumbled
• 1 medium shallot, thinly sliced lengthwise
• 1 cup yellow cherry tomatoes, halved
• 8 bacon slices, cooked and coarsely chopped
• ½ cup walnut halves, toasted
• ½ cup blueberries
• Freshly ground black pepper, to taste

Instructions:

1. In a small bowl, whisk together the red wine vinegar, finely chopped shallot, honey, Dijon mustard, and ¼ teaspoon of kosher salt. Let the dressing sit for a few minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
2. Take 1 cup of the sliced strawberries and mash them with a fork or blend them briefly to create a chunky strawberry puree.
3. Add the strawberry puree to the dressing and whisk until well combined.
4. Slowly drizzle in the extra-virgin olive oil while whisking continuously to emulsify the dressing. Season with additional salt if needed.
5. In a large salad bowl, combine the baby spring mix, remaining sliced strawberries, crumbled feta cheese, thinly sliced shallot, halved yellow cherry tomatoes, and chopped bacon.
6. Pour the strawberry vinaigrette over the salad and toss gently to coat all the ingredients.
7. Add the toasted walnut halves and blueberries to the salad and gently toss again.
8. Taste the salad and adjust seasoning with more salt and freshly ground black pepper as desired.
9. Serve the Summer Salad with Bacon, Feta Cheese, Walnuts, and Berries immediately as a refreshing and delicious side dish for your summer meals.

Enjoy your vibrant and flavorful summer salad filled with the goodness of berries, the richness of bacon and feta cheese, and the crunch of walnuts!