Spinach -&- Strawberry Salad

Spinach & Strawberry Salad

Have you ever tried this delicious salad?!?
The first time I ever came into contact with delightful salad was on a
buffet in El Paso, TX
of all places!?!
Since I love both spinach & strawberries this salad became a fast favorite of mine!?!
I had to learn how to make it -&- now I want to share it with you!?!

Ingredients:

1/3 cup cider vinegar
3/4 cup sugar
2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
1 teaspoon salt
1 cup vegetable oil
1/2 small red onion, grated
1 1/2 tablespoons poppy seeds
1 teaspoon dry mustard
1/2 teaspoon paprika
1 1/2 pounds fresh spinach, washed and torn into pieces
2 cups strawberries, stemmed and sliced
1 cup chopped walnuts or pecans

Directions:

For the dressing, combine the vinegar, sugar, lemon juice, & salt in a small non-reactive saucepan & heat over medium heat until the sugar dissolves, stirring frequently!?! Remove pan from heat & let cool to room temperature!?!
When cooled, whisk in the oil, onion, poppy seeds, dry mustard & paprika until thoroughly combined!?!
Set dressing aside!?!
In a salad bowl, combine the spinach, strawberries, & walnuts or pecans!?!
When ready to serve, add some of the dressing, & toss gently!?!
Serve the remaining dressing alongside the salad so diners may add more, if desired!?!
(If you don't have the time or ingredients to make the dressing - a store bought Poppy Seed dressing will pair perfectly with this creation!?!)

This salad is also great as a meal -&- to make it even more substantial - just add a grilled chicken breast & some blue cheese crumbs - you can't go wrong!?!


Today I am thankful for Spinach -&- Strawberries...yummmmmmy!?!