Green Salad with Strawberries & Goat Cheese



1 tablespoon pure maple syrup , or brown sugar
2 tablespoons red-wine vinegar
1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil
1/4 teaspoon salt
Freshly ground pepper, to taste
3 cups baby spinach
3 cups watercress, tough stems removed
2 1/2 cups sliced fresh strawberries , (about 12 ounces)
1/3 cup fresh chives, cut into 2-inch pieces
1/2 cup toasted chopped pecans , (see Tip)
1/4 cup crumbled goat cheese

1.Whisk maple syrup (or brown sugar), vinegar, oil, salt and pepper in a large bowl. Add spinach, watercress, strawberries and chives; toss to coat. Divide the salad among 4 plates and top with pecans and goat cheese.

Tip: To toast chopped or sliced nuts, stir constantly in a small dry skillet over medium-low heat until fragrant and lightly browned, 2 to 4 minutes.

Servings: 4 servings, about 1 1/2 cups each