Cranberry-Orange Almond Salad with Cheese, Avocados and Sweet-Sour Vinegarette

I'm convinced that most people who hate salads hate them because there isn't enough "good stuff" in the salad. Most salads I see people choke down are the basic garden salad with lettuce, carrots, tomato and maybe cucumbers or mushrooms. If the person manages to get to a salad bar, you might see some croutons, bacon bits, cheddar cheese, eggs or spinach. So, with this in mind, I've actually come up with a really tasty salad that is easy to put together.

Go Organic for Best Flavor

People who want you to buy conventionally-grown foods will tell you there isn't a difference between organic and those foods grown by large factory farms. I say that's hogwash, but don't believe me. Let your tastebuds decide by picking up some truly organic foods and seeing if they don't taste better. I use organic foods all the time and it makes a difference.

Choose Your Lettuce Wisely

For too long our western palates have been raised with iceberg lettuce. This lettuce became popular because of the lettuces' hardiness that withstood shipping in ice (hence the name). People got used to this bland lettuce that doesn't have much in the way of nutrients, taste or fiber, even though modern shipping methods and local farms grow plenty of other varieties. Try a spring mix, Romano, butter or even just a green or red lettuce. Your taste buds will thank me and you'll be getting better nutrition.

Mix Mundane with Special

Surprise yourself with exotic cheeses. I enjoy water buffalo cheese and ricotta salata made from sheep's milk. These are mild cheeses with creamy, unique flavors that will convince you that cow's milk is passe. The ricotta salata crumbles like feta but tastes like ricotta, adding a delicious texture.

Add Your Favorite Vegetables

I'm not above experimenting and neither should you be. Try adding your favorite salad fixings to the recipe after you try it for your own special twist.

Cranberry-Orange Almond Salad

1 lb of baby mixed salad greens
1 large ripe avocado cut into bite-size pieces
2 Roma tomatoes, sliced
1/2 cup baby carrots cut into bit-size pieces
8 oz sliced mushrooms
1 cucumber sliced
1 cup dried cranberries
3 mandarin oranges or other small oranges peeled and sectioned
1/2 cup almonds
1/3 lb ricotta salata cheese (sheep's milk ricotta salata cheese)
1/3 lb caciocavallo di bufala (water buffalo caciocavallo)

Mix all ingredients and add salad dressing and toss.

Salad Dressing

1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
1/4 cup raw sugar
1 Tbsp sea salt (or to taste)
1 tsp pepper
1/2 cup extra virgin olive oil

Mix well and pour on salad. I like more salt in mine, but you should probably go easy on the salt first until you find a happy medium,