Spinach Salad With Oranges Dried Cherries And Candied Pecans Recipes

SPINACH SALAD WITH ORANGES, DRIED CHERRIES, AND CANDIED PECANS

Steps:

• Cut and peel white pith from oranges. Cut between membranes to release orange segments into a small bowl.
• Combine shallot with balsamic vinegar in bowl. Whisk in olive oil and season with salt and pepper to taste.
• Place orange segments, spinach, and cherries in salad bowl, and toss with dressing. Break apart pecans and add to salad. Sprinkle goat cheese on top and serve.

SPINACH SALAD WITH ORANGES, DRIED CHERRIES AND CANDIED PECANS

Steps:

• Coat baking sheet with cooking spray. Bring brown sugar and 2 Tbs. water to a simmer over medium heat, and cook 2 minutes. Add pecans, and cook 8 minutes, stirring constantly-mixture will look sandy and dry. Spread nuts on prepared baking sheet to cool. Cut and peel white pith from oranges. Cut between membranes to release orange segments into small bowl. Combine shallot with balsamic vinegar in bowl. Whisk in olive oil, and season with salt and pepper. Place orange segments, spinach and cherries in salad bowl, and toss with dressing. Break apart pecans, and add to salad. Sprinkle goat cheese on top, and serve.

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.

SPINACH SALAD WITH CARAMELIZED PECANS

Steps:

• Melt butter in small frying pan over low heat.
• Add pecans and brown sugar.
• Cook 2 to 3 minutes, stirring constantly until mixture is caramelized.
• Spread out on wax paper to cool.
• In bowl toss together spinach, pecans, apple and cheese.
• Add oil and vinegar and toss again until everything is coated.
• Chef's note: To make ahead for a special dinner--toss apple with dressing. Layer on greens, cheese and pecans. Cover with plastic wrap and put in refrigerator until needed, tossing just before serving.