Spinach, Strawberry and Walnut Salad

I went to a wedding this past summer and had a delicious spinach salad. I was able to reproduce it quite well and am sharing it here. It's absolutely delicious on a hot summer day and the sugar encrusted walnuts make it extra tasty.

• Ready In: 30 mins
• Serves: 6

Ingredients

• 1 (12 ounce) package  Baby Spinach
• 6  strawberries, sliced thinly
• 1⁄4 cup green onion, chopped
• 1  cup walnuts, halves
• 2  tablespoons water
• 2  teaspoons sugar
• 2  teaspoons olive oil
• 1  teaspoon red wine vinegar
• 1⁄2 teaspoon lemon juice
• 1⁄4 teaspoon salt
• 1  garlic clove, crushed
• 1⁄2 teaspoon dried basil

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
2. Mix the water and 1 1/2 teaspoons of sugar and heat up until all the sugar is dissolved.
3. In a bowl toss the walnuts in the sugary water.
4. Place the walnuts on a cookie sheet and bake in the oven for about 15 minutes or until the nuts are "dry" to the touch.
5. Remove nuts and set aside to cool.
6. To make the salad dressing mix the remaining 1/2 teaspoon of sugar, olive oil, vinegar, lemon juice, salt, garlic, and basil in a small bowl and mix thoroughly with a fork until the salt and sugar has dissolved.
7. In a large salad bowl add the spinach, strawberries and green onions.
8. Add the salad dressing and toss the all the ingredients.
9. Finally add the walnuts and toss lightly.
10. Serve the salad with bread or as a side dish.