Simply Salad

I don't think that any culinary repertoire is ever complete without one good salad recipe. Salad is very ubiquitous in a vegan diet. A double helping can serve as a light lunch, or you can pair it with some vegan soup. Whenever I cook dinner for someone, I like to start out with a salad. It's simple to make ahead of time, so if I'm still working in the kitchen when they arrive, they don't have to just stare at me ravenously. Sometimes I'll even have a small salad in the middle of the afternoon to tide me over until dinner time. This is a simple recipe with a sweet home-made balsamic vinaigrette. 

Simple Spinach Salad

• 1/2 a bag baby spinach
• 1/4 c. dried cranberries (I like the orange-flavored ones)
• handful of almonds

Vinaigrette

• 1/4 c. balsamic vinegar
• 1 tsp agave nectar
• dash of garlic powder
• fresh ground black pepper

1. Whisk together the vinegar, agave, garlic, and black pepper.
2. Throw your spinach in a large bowl. 
3. Pour the dressing over the spinach and toss a few times to coat. 
4. Sprinkle cranberries and almonds on top and serve to everyone's sheer amazement.