Berry Spectacular Salad

Oh my, the sheer joy of Spring-time and delectable strawberries!

Like me, are you inspired by the freshest of all foods this time of the year? Strawberries are both bountiful and versatile, pairing well with almost anything. One of my favorite combos is fresh oranges and strawberries. Try them in this delish Strawberry-Spinach Salad and I promise, you too will be singing!

Begin by:

Melting 2 Tbsp. butter, add 4 Tbsp. of brown sugar, and 8 ounces (1 cup) slivered almonds. Stir constantly, watching carefully as they will burn easily.When they look toasted and candied....

like this...remove from heat...

spread out on parchment paper and let cool.

Make the dressing by combining rice vinegar, sugar or substitute, orange juice concentrate, salt and pepper, and canola oil.

You may whisk it together or I like to use my immersion blender for a frothy, creamy dressing.

Combine spinach, romaine, and green onions. Toss with dressing, strawberries and oranges and garnish with candied almonds.

Strawberry-Spinach Salad

• 1 bag snipped fresh spinach
• 1 head of romaine, washed, dried, and torn into bite size pieces
• 12 sliced strawberries
• 2 sliced fresh oranges
• 1 bunch of sliced green onions, (some of the green tops too)
• 2 tsp. butter
• 4 tsp. brown sugar
• 1 cup slivered almonds

Orange Delight Dressing:

• 1/2 cup rice vinegar ( I like seasoned rice vinegar)
• 1/2 cup sugar (or sugar substitute like stevia, I use about 1/2 dropper-full)
• 2 Tbsp. frozen orange juice concentrate
• salt and pepper to taste
• 1 cup canola oil

In a saucepan saute melted butter and add brown sugar. Stir almonds constantly to toast and sugar coat. Be careful they will burn! Cool on parchment paper. Prepare greens and place in a in a large salad bowl. Add strawberries, oranges, green onions. Just before serving toss with dressing and garnish with almonds before serving.

"Ah-ha": This salad is fabulous topped with sliced, grilled chicken or a grilled salmon fillet. Serve it with a luscious potato-knot-roll (recipe coming soon!) and a scoop of sorbet for a easy, light luncheon.

Wishing you a berry-good week!