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Everyone wants a salad in the summer, but good salads are hard to find.  And, while I am on salads… can we please let the Kale trend go?? I mean how many ways can you eat kale?  I know, I know it is good for you and you definitely look very healthy eating a cold kale salad in Lululemon, but honestly I think it tastes like vegetable leather-you know like fruit leather? I am so happy to eat a nice kale salad every now and then, but it seems like every menu has kale on it. Food, just like clothes go through trends and I really think the kale trend needs to move on.  But, thats just me. I will now get off my soapbox:)

We eat a lot of salads in my house-my boys actually love salad.  And… if I put a big piece of steak on the salad they are even happier.  But, I cannot in good conscience serve steak every meal. First, it is not good for them and second, they need to learn to eat all kinds of foods not just meat and potatoes. I will turn them into gentlemen even if it kills me-which there is a very good chance of that especially since I have two teenagers in the house!

This recipe is not a typical salad I would normally like. As I have said before I do not like fruit with savory things.  But, this is such a light and refreshing salad and is so good in the summer that I make an exception, ha!  Plus, it a great backdrop for adding grilled shrimp, grilled salmon, grilled chicken to make a full meal.

 

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Spinach Strawberry Salad

Serves 6

1/2 cup sugar (use less if you like it more tangy)
1 Tablespoon poppy seeds
2 Tablespoons sesame seeds
1 1/2 teaspoons minced onion or shallot
1/4 teaspoon paprika
1/4 cup cider vinegar
1/2 cup wine vinegar (red or white)
1/2 cup canola oil
2 Tablespoons butter
3/4 cup sliced almonds
1 lb. spinach
1 pint strawberries, sliced

Dressing:

In a bowl or jar with a lid, mix together sugar, poppy seeds, sesame seeds, onion, paprika, vinegars and oil. 

In a small skillet, melt butter and saute almonds until lightly browned.  Do not let burn! Remove and let cool.

In a large serving bowl, combine spinach, strawberries and almonds.  Pour dressing over salad and toss gently.