Southern Spinach Salad With Pecans Strawberries Recipes

STRAWBERRY SPINACH SALAD WITH CANDIED PECANS FETA AND BALSAMIC VINAIGRETTE

Steps:

• Add vinegar to a small saucepan, bring to a boil over medium heat and allow to boil until reduced by half, about 3 minutes. Pour into a jar or bowl, add olive oil, dijon mustard, honey and whisk to blend while seasoning with salt and pepper to taste. Thin with a little water if desired. Set aside.
• Add pecans, brown sugar and butter to a small non-stick skillet and cook over medium-heat, stirring constantly until sugar starts to melt and caramelize, about 2 - 3 minutes. Transfer to a plate in a single layer to cool.
• In a salad bowl toss together spinach, strawberries, half of the feta, red onion and pecans. Drizzle about 1/3 of the dressing over salad then plate and drizzle remaining dressing over individual portions and top with remaining half of the feta. Serve immediately.

SOUTHERN SPINACH SALAD WITH PECANS & STRAWBERRIES

Steps:

• Toast Pecans - Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Arrange pecans on a single layer on a baking sheet and roast in preheated oven for 7-10 minutes, until they just begin to darken. Remove from oven and set aside. Once cooled, coarsely chop half of the pecans, leaving the other whole. These can be stored safely for up to two weeks in an air-tight container, longer in a freezer.
• For Dressing - In a sauce pan, combine last five ingredients. Bring to a simmer, and simmer for 1 minute. Remove from heat. This can be stored in the fridge for up to 3 months.
• For Serving Salad - toss the spinach, strawberries, and red onion to mix. Top with pecans, blue cheese and dressing then lightly toss into salad. (If making this in advance, do the final toss right before serving, keeping the pecans and cheese separate).

STRAWBERRY SPINACH SALAD WITH CANDIED PECANS

Steps:

• Melt butter in a large heavy skillet over medium heat.
• Add pecans and sugar; stir to combine.
• Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly until sugar melts around pecans and is caramel-colored.
• Remove pecans with a slotted spoon and spread in a single layer on a sheet of lightly greased aluminum foil.
• Cool completely and break up pieces as needed.
• Remove and discard stems from spinach.
• Wash spinach and pat dry with paper towels.
• Tear into bite-size pieces.
• Combine spinach, celery and strawberries in a large bowl.
• Pour 1 cup dressing over salad mixture; toss gently.
• Add reserved candied pecans; toss gently.
• Serve immediately with remaining dressing.
• Dressing: Combine first 5 ingredients in container of electric blender; cover and process until smooth.
• With blender running, gradually add oil in a slow, steady stream through opening in lid.
• Process until thick and smooth.
• Transfer dressing mixture to a bowl; stir in poppy seeds.
• Cover and chill.