as a cook, i often find myself OVER complicating things. there is a fine line between what is enough to make something really delicious, and what will push a dish over the edge into the realm of TOO much. sometimes, i have to remind myself that simple is best. in life and in the kitchen.

so this week, i'm working on simplifying. work has picked up in a major way and no longer am i desperate to take any job that comes my way. it is a great feeling, but now is the time to start editing. and i started with this salad.

sometimes, you don't need a whole bunch of stuff to make a big impact. these spiced pistachios are zesty and meaty with out adding any meat to your simple salad. creamy goat cheese, crisp mixed greens and a delicious vinaigrette make this simple salad a satisfying meal.

spiced pistachio & goat cheese salad
serves: 2
prep time: 15 minutes (if your pistachios are not already made, less if you have some on hand) active time: 4 minutes
total time: 20 minutes
ingredients: 4 cups mixed greens. .5 cup spiced pistachios. .25 cup crumbled goat cheese. .25 cup good olive oil. 2 tbs lemon juice. 1 tsp brown sugar. 1 tsp whole grain mustard. .5 tsp kosher salt. .25 tsp fresh ground pepper.

start by combining the mixed greens, goat cheese and pistachios in a large bowl.

then in a smaller bowl, combine the oil, lemon juice, mustard, brown sugar, salt and pepper.

whisk until the mixture is well combined.

drizzle the dressing over the salad.

toss well to combine and serve.

xo, a

spiced pistachio & goat cheese salad
serves: 2
prep time: 15 minutes (if your pistachios are not already made, less if you have some on hand) active time: 4 minutes
total time: 20 minutes
ingredients: 4 cups mixed greens. .5 cup spiced pistachios. .25 cup crumbled goat cheese. .25 cup good olive oil. 2 tbs lemon juice. 1 tsp brown sugar. 1 tsp whole grain mustard. .5 tsp kosher salt. .25 tsp fresh ground pepper. start by combining the mixed greens, goat cheese and pistachios in a large bowl. then in a smaller bowl, combine the oil, lemon juice, mustard, brown sugar, salt and pepper. whisk until the mixture is well combined. drizzle the dressing over the salad. toss well to combine and serve.