STRAWBERRY SPINACH SALAD WITH CANDIED WALNUTS

Strawberry Spinach Salad with Candied Walnuts image

This classic salad goes with just about anything you're serving. The juicy berries add a pop of color to the greens, and the sweet, crunchy nuts are good enough to eat all on their own! -Susan Howell, Royal Oak, Michigan

Provided by Taste of Home

Categories Lunch

Time 20m

Yield 10 servings.

Number Of Ingredients 18

Ingredients

1/2 cup sugar
1/4 cup water
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon chili powder
1/4 teaspoon curry powder
2 cups walnut halves
SALAD:
1 package (9 ounces) fresh baby spinach
2 cups sliced fresh strawberries (about 1 pound)
1 medium cucumber, halved and sliced
VINAIGRETTE:
1/4 cup olive oil
2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
2 tablespoons seedless raspberry jam
1 teaspoon lemon juice
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/8 teaspoon pepper
1/3 cup grated Parmesan cheese

Steps:

In a small heavy saucepan, combine the first 5 ingredients; stir gently to moisten all the sugar. Cook over medium-low heat, gently swirling pan occasionally, until sugar is dissolved. Cover; bring to a boil over medium heat. Cook 1 minute. Uncover pan; continue to boil and gently swirl pan until syrup turns a deep amber color, about 2-3 minutes. Immediately remove from heat and carefully stir in walnuts until evenly coated. Spread onto foil to cool completely. Break into pieces., In a large bowl, combine spinach, strawberries and cucumber. In a small bowl, whisk the first 6 vinaigrette ingredients. Drizzle over salad; toss to coat. Sprinkle with cheese and walnuts. Serve immediately.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 262 calories, Fat 19g fat (2g saturated fat), Cholesterol 2mg cholesterol, Sodium 132mg sodium, Carbohydrate 21g carbohydrate (16g sugars, Fiber 3g fiber), Protein 5g protein.