Heather's Smoked Gouda, Pecan, and Cherry Salad with Green Onion Poppy Seed Vinaigrette

I can still remember when my friend Heather brought this to a pot-luck and how tasty it was. Luckily, Jessie had it on her blog so we enjoyed this a few weekends ago with our chicken burgers. I'd almost forgotten how much I love smoked Gouda, almost.

Ingredients

spring mix + spinach
pecans, whole or chopped
dried sweetened cherries (could sub. dried cranberries)
red onion, thinly sliced
smoked Gouda, grated


Green Onion Poppy Seed Vinaigrette

1 whole green onion, ends removed
2 Tbsp. organic cane sugar
1/2 tsp. dry mustard
1/2 tsp. salt
1/6 cup red wine vinegar
1/2 cup extra virgin olive oil ( I used grapeseed oil)
1 tsp. poppy seeds

Directions

1. In a blender or food processor, puree onion with sugar, mustard, salt, and red wine vinegar. With the motor running, slowly stream in the olive oil. Add the poppy seeds and pulse to combine.

2. Toss spring mix and spinach and top with pecans, cherries, onion, and cheese. Drizzle with vinaigrette and serve.

Makes about 3/4 cup of vinaigrette.

(Recipe courtesy of Heather Sedwick, from A Hint of Honey)