There used to be a Nordstrom Cafe back when I was living near Silverlake in Los Angeles, CA. A tradition I now reminisce about all the time is when my mom and sister, and I would drop everything and go to that cafe and have lunch. It was a simple day, walking around smelling all the perfumes, grabbing something we need to purchase, and going to eat that best salad ever. It is those days that inspired me to recreate something from a memory very near and dear to my heart.
Nordstrom cafe had this mixed berry salad, and the three of us absolutely lovedd it! I had my own preferences that I would customize, but we would always order that same salad. As far as recreating it, I had zero clue back then on how, but that didn’t stop me from thinking about it.
What happened afterwards was very surprising and greatly disappointing. Nordstrom moved across the street to Americana in Glendale, CA. It was bigger, nicer, so I assumed that Nordstrom Cafe would be there. There was a small cafe and a restaurant but to my surprise, nothing like the cafe we would go to. We missed our little tradition so much and were so sad we couldn’t eat that salad at Nordstrom anymore.
It was then I kept trying to recreate this salad. I was determined. I actually created several versions of the salad and tweaked it so much to make it everything I ever dreamed of in a salad. (Only a true foodie would understand this kind of passion when it comes to talking about food) I have been making this salad every since, and let me tell you, it is divine, or as Mary Poppins would say “Practically perfect in every way”0:)
Therefore, the recipe you are about to embark on has history, and has been fine tuned to what I like to call absolute perfection. If you do not like the ingredients in this recipe, you are free to substitute it, but it won’t be the same salad, so consider yourself warned. If you try this recipe and feel what I think you will feel after eating, I would love to hear about it. You can tell me through commenting here or visiting my instagram page @cookingwithrips
On my Instagram page, I mentioned there is a secret ingredient that takes this salad to a whole new level and I wholeheartedly mean that. That secret ingredient is a fig flavored balsamic vinegar. Not just any fig flavored vinegar, but one of my absolute favorite brands Lucini italia fig balsamic vinegar. It is the most delicious balsamic vinegar I’ve ever tried and I loveee using it in my recipes! Let’s make this salad, so you can experience what I experienced every time I make it. I hope you enjoy!
Love and Light,
Rips
| Prep time: 5 minutes | |
| Serves: 2 | Total Time: 10 minutes |
| Ingredients spring Mix Salad (in a 5 oz bag) 1 cup chopped strawberries 1/2 cup toasted almonds (sliced) 1/3 cup crumbled blue cheese or gorgonzola Dressing 4 tbsp extra virgin olive oil (my favorite) 3 tbsp fig balsamic vinegar pinch of salt and pepper |
| Instructions 1. Thoroughly wash and dry the spring mix salad. 2. Add the toasted*(See note below) sliced almonds into a flat pan and toast it on medium heat a little more until they turn a nice, even golden brown color. (About 3-4 minutes) 3. Place the dried spring mix into a large bowl, add toasted almonds, crumbled cheese, and strawberries, set aside. 4. Combine all your ingredients in a salad dressing shaker and shake until well combined. 5. Add the dressing to your salad just before serving, lightly toss and enjoy! |
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