Christmas Salad

Picholine's Note:

Snowflakes and crimson bulbs atop Christmas trees...figuratively speaking. I accidentally invented this savory salad which can also be used to explain the significance of Christ's birth to children. Amounts are approximate (I never measure!).

• Total Time: 10 mins
• Prep Time: 10 mins
• Cook Time: 0 mins

Ingredients:

Servings: 4

• 8 cups fresh spinach , cleaned
• ½ cup dried cranberries (craisins)
• ¼ cup sliced almonds
• ¼ cup feta
• ¼ cup green onion (scallions)
• 6 slices bacon
• hot bacon salad dressing or sweet and sour dressing

Directions:

1. Microwave bacon for about five minutes (cover with paper towel) or until almost crisp.
2. Reserve bacon grease for hot bacon dressing (if making).
3. Microwave almonds for two minutes (stirring once) in same plate used for cooking bacon.
4. While those items are being microwaved, wash and chop green onions finely.
5. Put spinach in large serving bowl.
6. Explain that it represents the Christmas tree which will later be made into the cross of Christ.
7. Add green onions.
8. Add dried cranberries.
9. Explain that the red symbolizes Christ's blood shed on the cross to pay the price for our sin.
10. Crumble in bacon.
11. Crumble in feta.
12. Explain that the white stands for Christ's innocent blood washing away our sins and making us pure.
13. Sprinkle with almonds.
14. Stir in dressing (there are many great recipes for hot bacon and sweet and sour dressings on Zaar, but if you're in a hurry, just mix up vinegar, oil or bacon drippings, sugar, salt).
15. Toss well and serve immediately.

Reviews

[ChefScooter]

Delicious recipe. Made it a few times for pot-lucks and everyone raves. Need to complete the symbolism for all the ingredients, however, which would be cool for Sunday kids.

[Tulip-Fairy]

With Easter coming up I thought I'd give it a try...fantastic colours, great flavours. I work in a primary school so intend to make it at cookery club. I will let you know what they thought...either way it's a keeper for me! Update: I have made this salad many times although I never got round to make it at cookery club, but a definate keeper at home. Great served as a side salad to accompany chicken or as a stand alone lunch dish. Thanks Pichonline.