Spring Berry Salads

Are you as ready as I am for the weather to settle into one season? Goodness! We've had spring, summer, back to late winter and today rain, rain, rain! It's hard to get into a mood to cook when each day brings a new "season"! I'm very much in the mood for salads (and warm weather to enjoy them in!). Here are a couple of berries and greens combos that I clipped out of magazines with good intentions of making. Maybe between all of us we'll get around to trying them. They look and sound yummmy and springlike and a little different. You KNOW I like different. Now, if the pollen will just go away, we'll be ready to grill out!

Romaine, Strawberry and Orange Salad
6 cups torn Romaine
1 cup sliced strawberries
1 cup drained Mandarin oranges
3/4 cup thinly sliced red onion (or Vidalia)

Combine ingredients in a large bowl.

Dressing
2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
1 tablespoon honey
2 teaspoons extra virgin olive oil
1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Combine in a small bowl and stir with a wire whisk. Drizzle dressing over salad and toss gently to coat. Sprinkle with shaved Parmesan cheese.

This one requires a few more special ingredients, but also sounds yummy!

Berry Salad with Goat Cheese Dressing
2 tablespoons Champagne vinegar (or white wine vinegar)
2 tablespoons buttermilk
2 tablespoons honey
2 teaspoons Dijon mustard
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/8 teaspoon pepper
1 (3-oz.) pkg soft goat cheese
6 cups torn Romaine
2 cups trimmed arugula
3/4 cup fresh blueberries
3/4 cup fresh raspberries
3/4 cup fresh strawberries

Combine vinegar, buttermilk, honey, mustard, salt, pepper and goat cheese in food processor or blender; process until smooth. Combine remaining ingredients in a large serving bowl. Drizzle dressing over lettuce mixture; toss gently to coat. Serve immediately.