Honestly, I replicated a favorite salad from a restaurant and it is a definite success every time I make it, at home or to friends.
Step: 1
Preheat oven to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C). Line a baking sheet with aluminum foil.
Step: 2
Whisk brown sugar and water together in a small saucepan; bring to a boil and cook until reduced to a caramel syrup, 5 to 10 minutes.
Step: 3
Arrange walnuts and pecans on the prepared baking sheet.
Step: 4
Toast nuts in the preheated oven until fragrant, about 5 minutes. Pour caramel syrup over nuts; toss to coat. Bake until nuts are lightly browned and syrup has thickened, 8 to 10 more minutes. Let cool on baking sheet.
Step: 5
Mix salad greens, strawberries, blackberries, blue cheese, cranberries, dates, and vinaigrette dressing; toss to coat. Sprinkle candied nuts over salad.
Per Serving: 283 calories; protein 6.8g; carbohydrates 36.8g; fat 13.9g; cholesterol 12.7mg; sodium 415.1mg.