Mixed Berry and Chicken Salad

This is my favorite salad from the Nordstrom Cafe. Now that I live in Oklahoma, it's not so easy to get (because the closest Nordstrom is in Dallas, TX! ugh!). Thankfully I have the Nordstrom Entertaining at Home cookbook which includes this recipe. It's so fresh and delicious - perfect for spring.

Mixed Berry and Chicken Salad
1 pound mixed baby greens
1 1/4 pound grilled chicken breast
1 1/2 cups crumbled blue cheese
2 cups candied walnuts
salt & pepper
1/2 pint raspberries
1/2 pint blackberries
1 pint strawberries, halved

Blackberry-Champagne Vinaigrette
1 shallot, quartered
1 garlic clove
1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
2 tablespoons sugar
1/2 teaspoon salt
dash white pepper
1/2 cup champagne vinegar
1/2 cup blackberries
1/2 cup candied walnuts
1 1/2 cups canola oil

First make the Blackberry-Champagne Vinaigrette. In a blender or food processor, combine the shallot and garlic and process until finely minced. Add the mustard, sugar, salt, pepper, vinegar, blackberries, and the 1/2 cup walnuts and process to combine the ingredients. With the machine running, gradually add the oil in a thin, steady stream to form and emulsion. Taste and adjust seasoning.

In a large bowl, combine the salad ingredients above and toss with the Blackberry-Champagne Vinaigrette. Enjoy!