Oakview Farms Bibb Salad

Photo by Kenneth Boone

By Rob McDaniel | Chef’s Table

Oakview Farms Bibb Salad with Strawberries, Walnuts, Belle Chevre and Balsamic Vinaigrette:

2 Heads of Bibb Lettuce

15 Strawberries, Halved

5oz Goat Cheese, Belle Chevre

½ Cup of Walnuts, toasted

Balsamic Vinaigrette:

½ Shallot, diced

5 Sprigs of Thyme, removed from stem, chopped

¼ Cup Balsamic Vinegar

½ Cup Extra Virgin Olive Oil

Start by making the vinaigrette.  Allow the small diced shallots, thyme and vinegar to macerate in a bowl for at least 15 minutes.  Whisk in the olive oil, taste and season.

This is a wonderful salad this time of year.  The strawberries are getting sweeter and are easy to find at local markets.  We love using the lettuce from Oakview Farms – it’s grown hydroponically in Wetumpka and is a wonderful product.

Toast the walnuts in the oven on 350 degrees for 4-5 minutes.  Season the walnuts with olive oil, salt and pepper.

To finish the salad, mix the walnuts, strawberries, Bibb lettuce and the balsamic vinaigrette together, season and taste.

Finish the salad with a fresh goat cheese.  For the goat cheese, we prefer to use Belle Chevre out of Elkmont, Ala.

This salad is a perfect start to any meal during the summer months!