Spinach Salad

I made this salad as part of our Green St. Patrick's Day dinner. My son promptly said, "Mom, I don't like that salad!" Yet, at dinner he went for round two. Of course I had to bring it up, "Well, William? Do you still hate that salad?"

He couldn't reply - his mouth was full.

There are two parts to this recipe, the dressing and the salad itself. I got this Poppy Seed Dressing Recipe from my friend, Emily. And, boy, is it good. So...we'll start with that.

Poppy Seed Dressing

Ingredients:

1/4 cup lemon juice - fresh is best, but in a pinch you can used the bottled kind

1/2 cup sugar

1 tsp dry mustard powder

2 tsp apple cider vinegar

1/2 tsp salt

1/2 cup vegetable oil - or canola, but Not olive oil

poppy seeds

Put the first 4 ingredients into a small blender (like a magic bullet or a small food processor). Mix well. You can use a whisk, but it will take a long time and may not emulsify - at least, not as well.

Once you've gotten that frothy combo, add the poppy seed. I usually add about 1 to 2 Tb. - but you may like more or less...it's up to you. Stir to combine and you're ready to go.

Now, on to the Salad.....

Ingredients:

1 10 oz. package fresh baby spinach

1/4 red onion - thinly sliced

1 cup strawberries - sliced

3 to 4 strips bacon - cut into small chunks and cooked

3/4 cup mozzarella - shredded

toasted almonds

Put all the spinach in a large bowl. Then add all the other ingredients. Depending on your tastes (or your family's tastes), you can add more or less of each of the ingredients. I didn't have almonds, so I omitted them....that's why I like this salad, it's very versatile.

After you have all your ingredients thrown in that bowl - and right before it's time to serve - add some dressing. I used just over half of my dressing and put the rest in the fridge. You can add more or less, depending on how "sauced" you like your salad.

Remember, this salad will get soggy, so don't put that dressing on too early. Also, if you want to make it a dinner, just add some chicken. The combo of sweet and savory is absolutely wonderful...plus there's cheese. And who doesn't love cheese?

I hope you like this salad as much as we do.

Enjoy!