Salade de Provence

Let's take a little trip to Aix en Provence, France in the fall, shall we?

This is one of my all time favorite salads and it is perfect for the fall because it is really fresh and crisp, but also warm and satisfying! It has really earthy flavors and it is perfect for a fall dinner! We originally got this recipe from our close friend and my wedding caterer, Beth Blackwelder...she has a true gift! But we actually changed this around a bit, but she was our original inspiration. It has very few ingredients but they blend and compliment each other beautifully. Please try this one, you will be so grateful you did! Mitch loved this salad too and I cannot get enough of it! I might make it once a week this whole season!!! It is so easy too, and almost no mess, that is one other reason why this will be a staple! Let me know what you think.

INGREDIENTS:

~6-8 oz. Combination of Mache Lettuce (a french lettuce) and Butter Lettuce (There is a box of this combined lettuce at Trader Joe's, it is perfect and it tastes really fresh! But you could actually use any type of lettuce you have, I just prefer this combination.)

~Tiny white potatoes, size of grapes (bagged already, Trader Joes)

~1/2- 1 cup of shredded White Cheddar Cheese (The white cheddar makes all the difference- I actually don't like white cheddar on anything except this!)

~1 or 2 large White onions, diced and lightly sautéed in a little butter and then I roast them with the potatoes to get them really caramelized.

~Extra Virgin Olive Oil

~Salt and Pepper

~Herbs de Provence, dried (You can find them in the dried spices department of your grocery store- This is by far one of my favorite dried herb combinations)

Dressing:

1/3 cup white Balsamic vinegar

2/3 cup canola oil

2 1/2- 3 Tbsp brown sugar

1/2 Tbsp herbs de Provence

(This makes a little more dressing than you need, so you can save about half for another salad.)

INSTRUCTIONS:

Roast potatoes and onions 400 degrees for 30-40 minutes until tender, with olive oil, pepper, coarse salt and Herbs de Provence.

Cool for a few minutes. Assemble salad and serve immediately. ENJOY!