Global Warming (and Brianna's) Inspired Salad

If you believed Bush when he said that there was no such thing as global warming, and if you have yet to see Gore's now-famous movie, head to my neck of the woods for the proof (that's right, it's only June and the temperature has already soared to an unlivable 112 degrees). While the heat wave has forced me to be home bound for the most part (and to be grateful to the woman or man who invented air conditioning), it has inspired a new creation:

I have been a huge fan of the Brianna's Homestyle dressings since I discovered her Saucy Ginger Mandarin Dressing at our local Whole Foods Market (which has inspired a whole slew of salad recipes). Each bottle of dressing features a picture of an ingredient that Brianna recommends will pair well with the dressing, and hence, each time I try a new flavor, I start with 2 inspirations: 1) the dressing itself and 2) the pictured ingredient.

So on this way too hot day, I was motivated to create a new Brianna-inspired salad. Inspiration:

Brianna's Rich Poppy Seed Dressing (delicious on peaches). There were many contenders, but in the end, I settled for the following salad. Since my husband and I both agree "Global Warming Salad" doesn't quite have the right ring to it, unfortunately, the salad is still nameless (but I would gratefully appreciate any suggestions):

Ingredients

1. 1 bag baby spinach, rinsed

2. 1 whole peach

3. 1 mango

4. 1 avocado

5. 1/4 cup of pistachio nuts (de-shelled)
6. Brianna's Rich Poppy Seed Dressing (delicious on peaches)

Tools/Equipment

1. knife/cutting board

2. large serving bowl

3. Tossing utensils (if need be)

3. separate small serving dish for dressing (optional)

Instructions

1. Cut (or dice) peaches, mango and avocado into desired size pieces

2. Chop pistachios into course pieces

3. In a large bowl, place the baby spinach, then the peaches and mango, then the avocado, then the pistachios (if desired, toss with dressing right before serving, or serve with dressing on the side) (tip: if you prefer to toss the salad but want to maintain a beautiful presentation, simply toss each element separately in the dressing before layering the ingredients per above).

4. Enjoy!

By the way, I have now purchased my next inspiration from the Brianna line of dressings, and the wheels are already turning:



Hmm...ripe avocados...this one could go in a lot of directions.