Festive Spinach Salad

Every time I make this, I get a lot of great reviews. I think I got the recipe years ago in a Taste of Home magazine. I always make extra dressing and keep it around (practically forever), as it tastes great on everything!

• Ready In: 15 mins
• Serves: 10

Ingredients

• SALAD

• 10  cups fresh spinach
• 1⁄2 cup  thin sliced red onion
• 1  pint fresh strawberries, quartered*
• 1 (11 ounce) can mandarin oranges, drained*
• 1⁄2 cup  coarsely chopped pecans, toasted*

• DRESSING

• 1⁄2 cup sugar
• 1⁄3 cup cider vinegar
• 2  tablespoons lime juice (can substitute lemon)
• 2  tablespoons  finely chopped red onions
• 1⁄2 teaspoon salt
• 2⁄3 cup  vegetable oil
• 2 -3  teaspoons poppy seeds

Directions

1. In a blender or food processor, combine the sugar, vinegar, lime juice, onion and salt. Cover and process until well blended and smooth. With blender running, gradually add oil. Add poppy seeds and pulse until blended.
2. In a large salad bowl, combine the spinach, red onion, strawberries & oranges. Toss with desired amount of dressing. Sprinkle pecans on top.
3. * There are many fruits/cheeses/nuts that go well with this tangy dressing. Try any different combination below: Goat (Chevre) Cheese, Dried Cranberries, Toasted almonds; Feta Cheese, Mango, Toasted pinenuts; Gorgonzola Cheese, Fresh or Dried Figs, Toasted Pistachios; Blue Cheese, Sliced Bosc or Asian Pear, Candied Walnuts; Swiss or Emanthaler Cheese, Dried Apricots, Candied Pecans.