Spinach & Red Cabbage Salad with Balsamic Vinaigrette

We have had a rainy and cold past few days. In the mindset of the moment and season 22C is cold isn't it? When the nights become cooler my mind instantly reverts to cold weather thinking. I unpack all the blankets, clean the fireplace flu and run through all my comfort food recipes in my head. I know that there will be many more warm days left with a beautiful Indian Summer on the way. The farmer's markets are overflowing with autumnal ingredients just waiting to be handpicked and turned into something wonderful!!!This is of course my favourite time of year!!!

If ever there was a most requested recipe of my own; this salad recipe is it. The red cabbage, with the addition of baby spinach, requires a robust flavoured dressing to marry the flavours. I usually use a combination of mesclun greens, baby spinach and fresh pea shoots, which are available in the Spring; throw in some fresh garden tomatoes and some cooked beets (canned or otherwise) and you have a recipe they rave about. Just toss it up and use your own combination of greens. Of course this is fall and pea shoots may not be available, but I can still get them at Quality Greens. This is a dominant dressing so choose vegetables that will stand up.

This photo is taken looking towards Jade Bay on Lake Kalamalka, British Columbia

**Spinach and Red Cabbage Salad with Balsamic Vinaigrette**

Vinaigrette:

1/4 cup balsamic vinegar

1/4 cup fat-free, less-sodium chicken broth (or veggie broth)

1 tablespoon orange juice concentrate, thawed

1-1/2 teaspoon sugar

2 teaspoon extra-virgin olive oil

1-1/2 teaspoon Dijon mustard

1/2 teaspoon salt

1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

1 garlic clove, minced

Salad:

1 cup thinly sliced red cabbage

5 cups mesclun (mixed greens of your choice)

2 cups baby spinach leaves, larger stems removed

1/4 cup green onion, chopped

handful pea shoots

2 small beets, cooked, peeled and sliced thinly

To prepare vianigrette: Combine all ingredients; stir with a whisk.

To prepare salad: Combine all ingredients in a large bowl. Just before serving, drizzle with vinaigrette; toss gently to coat.

Serve immediately.

Serves 8

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