Fall Spinach Salad with Pumpkin Vinaigrette

Good morning! How was your weekend? Mine was so relaxing and for the first time this season it actually felt like Fall. I went to yoga, read, went for a 7 mile walk and relaxed. Sadly I did not bake this weekend as I am trying to loose the few pounds I gained from my gluttonous summer. I am normally a pretty healthy eater but this summer I was not very good, truth be told I ate terribly.  So I have to get myself back in line before all of the holidays and the baking begins. 

This week I did have this easy salad so I thought I would share. This is not a recipe because basically you throw it all in a bowl and dress it with your favorite vinaigrette, I made pumpkin vinaigrette and it was delicious!

Fall Spinach Salad with Pumpkin Vinaigrette

Serves 2

4 cups spinach

1 honey crisp cored and sliced

8 slices cucumbers

2 Tablespoons pecans

2 teaspoons dried cranberries

2 tablespoons crumbled cheese

Pumpkin Vinaigrette 

4 Tablespoon pumpkin puree

1/4 cup cider vinegar or balsamic vinegar

1 clove garlic

1 teaspoon dijon mustard

1 teaspoon honey or maple syrup

1/2 teaspoon salt

1/8 teaspoon pepper

1/2 cup olive oil

Finely chop garlic and put into a bowl with all of the ingredients EXCEPT the oil, whisk the ingredients. Then slowly add the olive oil and whisk well. You must add the oil slowly and whisk well otherwise the dressing will separate. 

Tell me, what did you do this weekend? Did you relax, read or do anything fun? Are the leaves beginning to turn or are there any other signs of Fall in your area?

I hope that you have a great week.