Avocado & strawberry salad with balsamic reduction {Recipe}

While we're in Paris, I thought I'd make good on a couple of the promises I've made on the blog and get a few recipes up that I've mentioned.

This is one of my favorite salads to make.  It's easy, beautiful and delicious.

I "talked" about it here for my mother's day brunch post, but I actually make it fairly often.  

Now is a great time to make it since strawberries and avocados are in season.

The flavors from the tart goat cheese, sweet strawberries and creamy avocado really go well together.  I'm not usually one for fruit in my salads, but I make an exception for this.

Avocado & Strawberry Salad with Balsamic Reduction

Ingredients
 - butter lettuce, washed and torn
 - spring mix
 - strawberries, washed and sliced
 - avocados, sliced and removed from rind
 - red onion, sliced in half rings
 - balsamic vinegar
 - olive oil
 - salt, to taste

Optional:
 - sliced radishes
 - creamy goat cheese

Put all of the veggies and fruits in a large salad bowl.

Add balsamic vinegar to a large saute pan or skillet on medium-high heat.  You'll need about 4 times balsamic as you think you'll need to dress the salad.  It's reduces, hence the name. :)  Bring it to boil.  Once it's boiling reduce it to a simmer until it's almost as thick as you want it.  It will keep reducing once it's off the heat.  You can make this before hand and let it sit before you dress the salad.  It will stay thick.

Drizzle the reduction over the veggies and fruits (and cheese).  Add a pinch of salt.  Depending on how wet you like the salad, you can add a bit of olive oil and more balsamic if you like.  I usually add just a bit of olive oil and only the reduction.  I like to really taste the veggies in my salads.

Enjoy!

LMF