BERRY DELIGHTFUL SPINACH SALAD

Berry Delightful Spinach Salad image

A homemade dressing and sugared pecans dress up this fruit-filled green salad. When fresh berries are out of season, try substituting dried fruits. -Bonnie Jost, Manitowoc, Wisconsin

Provided by Taste of Home

Categories Lunch

Time 45m

Yield 8 servings.

Number Of Ingredients 13

Ingredients

1/2 cup sugar
1 cup chopped pecans
1 package (6 ounces) fresh baby spinach
2 cups sliced fresh strawberries
1 cup fresh blueberries
DRESSING:
1/4 cup balsamic vinegar
2/3 cup fresh strawberries
1 teaspoon sugar
3/4 teaspoon onion powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon pepper
2/3 cup olive oil

Steps:

In a small heavy skillet over medium-low heat, cook sugar until it begins to melt. Gently drag melted sugar to the center of pan so sugar melts evenly. Cook, without stirring, until sugar is dark reddish brown, about 15 minutes., Remove from the heat; stir in pecans. Pour onto a foil-lined baking sheet; cool completely. Break pecans apart if necessary., In a salad bowl, combine the spinach, strawberries and blueberries. Place the first six dressing ingredients in a blender; cover and process until pureed. While processing, gradually add oil in a steady stream., Just before serving, drizzle salad with dressing; toss to coat. Top with sugared pecans.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 350 calories, Fat 29g fat (3g saturated fat), Cholesterol 0 cholesterol, Sodium 167mg sodium, Carbohydrate 24g carbohydrate (19g sugars, Fiber 3g fiber), Protein 3g protein.