Strawberry and spinach salad

This salad is so colorful and tasty, but the secret really lies in the salad dressing.

Serving Size: 4

Ingredients:

• 10 ounces fresh spinach – rinsed, dried and torn into bite-size pieces
• 1 quart strawberries – cleaned, hulled and sliced
• 1/4 cup almonds, blanched and slivered
• 1 tablespoon sesame seeds
• 1/2 tablespoon poppy seeds
• 1/4 cup sugar
• 1/4 cup olive oil
• 1/8 cup raspberry vinegar
• 1/8 teaspoon paprika
• 1/8 teaspoon soy sauce or tamari
• 1/2 tablespoon onion, minced
• 2 tsp. mustard
• pinch of salt (optional)

Directions:

1. Mix together the sesame seeds, poppy seeds, sugar, olive oil, vinegar, paprika, mustard, soy sauce and onion.
2. Cover, and chill for one hour.
3. In a large bowl, combine the spinach, strawberries.
4. Pour dressing over salad, and toss.
5. Refrigerate 10 to 15 minutes.
6. Just before serving, garnish with the almonds.

Notes:

Be particular about the raspberry vinegar, it makes a difference, as does the mustard. I used a grainy mustard which is not strong in flavor and rather nutty. Both the sesame seed and the poppy seeds add a lot too.

adapted from All Recipes