Strawberry Spinach Salad with Poppyseed Dressing

This is a great spring or summer recipe. Spinach is a good source of calcium and tastes great in this fresh, sweet salad.

Ingredients

1 bunch spinach, rinsed
10 large strawberries, sliced
1/2 cup white sugar
1 teaspoon salt
1/3 cup white wine vinegar
1 cup vegetable oil
1 tablespoon poppy seeds
½ cup pecans

Directions

Place pecans in a dry pan over medium heat. Cook for 3-5 minutes, stirring until lightly toasted. Set aside. Rinse the spinach and cut off any large stems. 

Rinse and slice the strawberries. 

Mix the spinach and strawberries in a large bowl.  In a blender, place the sugar, salt, vinegar, and oil, and blend until smooth. Stir in the poppy seeds. Pour over the spinach and strawberries, and toss to coat. Top with toasted pecans.

This recipe is also good with other added fruits like mandarin oranges and blueberries. Try it with some crumbled feta or blue cheese for a little added tang.