Spinach/Strawberry Salad

William (Uncle Bill) Anatooskin's Note:

An absolutely delightful and tasty salad, especially when fresh baby spinach and strawberries are available. This recipe was given to me by a famous Chef in Palm Springs, CA. This is a must to make.

• Total Time: 22 mins
• Prep Time: 15 mins
• Cook Time: 7 mins

Ingredients:

Servings: 4

SALAD

• 8 cups fresh baby spinach, about 8 ounces
• 2 cups sliced fresh strawberries, about 8 ounces

SUGARED ALMONDS

• 1/2 cup slivered almond
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1 tablespoon water

DRESSING

• 5 teaspoons balsamic vinegar (12 year old is best)
• 2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce
• 2 teaspoons liquid honey
• 1 1/2 teaspoons poppy seeds
• 3 teaspoons finely chopped fresh chives
• 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
• 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

Directions:

1. SALAD: Break off root ends and tough stems (if any) and discard.
2. Place spinach in a large bowl, add ice and cover with water; set aside to chill.
3. SUGARED ALMONDS: In a small saucepan, combine almonds, sugar and water.
4. Cook over medium-low heat for 5 to 7 minutes or until sugar is almost completely melted and nuts are golden, stirring occasionally- (there will be unmelted sugar on nuts).
5. Spread almonds on a large plate; let cool and then break into small pieces.
6. (Make ahead, as nuts can be stored in an air-tight container for about 3 days).
7. DRESSING: In a small bowl, whisk together balsamic vinegar, Worcestershire sauce, honey, poppy seeds and chives.
8. Drizzle in olive oil and whisk until blended.
9. Now whisk in Dijon mustard until well blended.
10. Whisk in salt and pepper to taste.
11. Remove spinach leaves from water, pat dry on paper towelling and break into pieces.
12. Add to a large mixing bowl.
13. Add sliced strawberries and toss lightly to mix.
14. Add dressing and toss gently until spinach and berries are lightly coated.
15. Add almonds, toss lightly and serve.
16. TIP: Packaged ready-to-use baby spinach can be found in the produce section of most supermarkets.
17. There are 8 cups of baby spinach in (one- 6 ounce) package.
18. NOTE: Only make enough salad that will be eaten at this one time serving. The salad will get somewhat soggy if kept for another day.

Reviews

[Marcy1]

Incredible recipe! The only thing I did was leave out the poppy seeds.. but that's because this was part of a romantic dinner and I didn't want to look at poppyseeds stuck in his teeth! Highly recommended for anyone!

[smithgirlzmom]

I took this salad to a sports banquet tonight and it was delicious! I made it as listed, with one exception. I took another reviewer's suggestion and mixed in hearts of romanie since I am a crunch girl. I used one bag of baby spinach and one of lettuce, and doubled the dressing. On the way to the event, I was worried that there wasn't enough dressing, but it was fine. There was only a small amount left and I threw some grilled chicken in with it and plan to eat it for lunch tomorrow!

[mommymakeit4u]

Delicious salad. The dressing was wonderful. I halved the dressing recipe, and it made enough for about 4 portions of salad. I also didn't bother to sugar the almonds, just threw them in, but I'm sure it would be nice to do that for company:)