STRAWBERRY FESTIVAL SALAD

Strawberry Festival Salad image

Provided by Donna Graffagnino

Time 40m

Number Of Ingredients 22

1 bag(s) baby spinach or 1 bunch romaine lettuce
1 pt la strawberries, washed stemmed and halved
1/2 small red onion, sliced thin
feta or blue cheese crumbles (optional)
sugared almonds (recipe below)
creamy vinaigrette dressing (recipe below)
SUGARED ALMONDS
1/2 c sliced or slivered almonds
2 Tbsp butter
1/3 c sugar
CREAMY VINAIGRETTE DRESSING
3/4 c light mayo
1/4 c milk
2 Tbsp poppy seeds
2 Tbsp raspberry vinegar
1/3 c sugar
POPPY SEED DRESSING INGREDIENTS
3/4 c miracle whip (reg or fat free)
1/4 c milk
1/4 c white sugar
1/8 c white or cider vinegar (whichever you prefer)
1 Tbsp poppy seeds

Steps:

1. Wash and dry baby spinach. If using Romaine, remove tough ends and coarsely chop.
2. In salad bowl combine spinach/lettuce, strawberries, onion, and the almonds. If you don't want to sugar the almonds then just add blanched or toasted almonds (I like them just blanched.)
3. Pour desired amount of dressing on salad and toss. Chill for about 20 minutes before serving.
4. *OPTIONS: Add diced grilled chicken to make this a fulfilling meal. *TIPS: For a LOW SUGAR option, don't sugar the almonds and use Splenda in the dressing mixture.
5. ---------------------------------- SUGARED ALMONDS DIRECTIONS:
6. In a saucepan over medium heat melt 2 Tbsp butter, stir in almonds and sugar. Saute until golden brown.
7. ----------------------- DRESSING DIRECTIONS:
8. Combine all ingredients in a jar and shake well to combine. Chill.