Nectarine Salad with Mint Vinaigrette

Joe and I planted another big garden this year and while our veggies are fairing so well because of the cool weather we've been having, our herbs are growing like crazy! I planted spearmint and peppermint and they are becoming huge bushes, so I've been looking for recipes that I could use them in. I found this salad, happened to have all the ingredients on hand and we ate it with dinner tonight. It was so delicious! We all loved it and I probably had three helpings of it. I'll for sure be making this throughout the summer.

NECTARINE SALAD WITH MINT VINAIGRETTE

• Dressing:
• 1 cup loosely packed fresh mint leaves
• 1/3 cup sugar
• 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar 
• 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
• Salad:
• 1 cup chopped seeded cucumber
• 1/3 cup chopped pecans, toasted
• 2 tablespoons minced red onion
• 3 nectarines, chopped, peeled, and pitted
• Salad mixing of your choice, about 5 cups worth
  

To prepare dressing, place mint and sugar in a food processor; process until finely chopped, scraping sides of bowl. Add vinegar, juice, salt, and pepper, and process 30 seconds to combine.
To prepare salad salad mix of your choice in a medium bowl. Combine cucumber, pecans, onion, and nectarines and top them on the salad. Drizzle dressing over salad; toss well to coat.