Gina's Spinach Salad

My friend Gina is amazing- and once you try this spinach salad you'll see why. It's easy, you can prep it ahead of time and everyone (yes, everyone) loves it.

• Ready In: 20 mins
• Serves: 4-8

Ingredients

• SALAD INGREDIENTS

• 4  cups fresh spinach
• 2  cups mozzarella cheese
• 1  lb bacon (cooked and chopped)
• 2 (11 ounce) cans mandarin oranges
• 1⁄2 cup dried cranberries
•  candied pecans (may substitute toasted slivered almonds)

• DRESSING INGREDIENTS (enough for 2 batches of above salad)

• 1⁄2 cup sugar
• 1⁄2 cup red wine vinegar
• 3⁄4 cup  oil
• 2  teaspoons poppy seeds
• 1⁄2 teaspoon dry mustard (powder)
• 1⁄2 teaspoon salt
• 2  tablespoons  finely chopped onions

Directions

1. Put dressing ingredients into blender, and puree -- toss with salad Ingredients and that's it!
2. Hint: You can prepare double the amount of the salad mix then save 1/2 the dressing and have 2 meals. This makes a great big salad.
3. Hint #2 : Don't put the dressing on until right before you eat if you want it to stay crisp!