Spinach & Strawberry Salad

I have many favorite salads, but this one is definitely on the top of my list for sure. There are actually 2 versions of this salad. One is a creamy based dressing with toasted almonds ( even better if you can find the honey toasted almond in your grocery store). The other is a balsamic vinegar base dressing with candied pecans. To determine your favorite here is what I recommend...


Get a huge bag of baby spinach leaves and a large container of strawberries. One night make the creamy based dressing and use it on half of the spinach/ strawberries. The following night make the rest and toss it with the balsamic based dressing. Add in some grilled chicken and it's a complete meal and you won't feel like you ate the same meal two times in a row. Don't feel like grilling chicken? Take the short cut and get the sliced grilled chicken strips at the grocery store. Don't be discouraged by all the ingredients the balsamic dressing has... because once you have all the spices they will last for a long time and you can whip it up in no time.

I caramelize my own pecans.. you can take another shortcut and buy them already glazed at the store. However if you want to do it yourself here is how you do it:

Caramelizing nuts
Nicole Kraft
Bliss n tell

2 T brown sugar
1/2 T light corn syrup
1/2 T butter
1/2 C nuts

Place brown sugar, corn syrup, and butter in a non-stick skillet on the stove top.




Set heat to medium or medium-high. Stir the mixture as it comes together until it bubbles add the nuts and stir to coat.



Cook another few minutes until they get toasty and smell yummy. Transfer them to a parchment lined baking sheet to cool and then break them apart. For a nice holiday treat, add 1/4 tsp cinnamon to the brown sugar mixture.

Spinach - Strawberry and candied pecan salad
Nicole Kraft
Bliss n tell

1 cup white sugar
1 cup vegetable oil
1/2 cup balsamic vinegar
1 T. sesame seeds
1 T.poppy seeds
1 T. paprika
1 T. Worcestershire sauce
1 16 oz. bag spinach
1 qt. strawberries
1/2 Cup caramelized pecans











* Cooks note: if you are making both recipes, get the big bag of spinach and strawberries!
* Also, this makes a lot of dressing, however you do not need it all on the salad. Save it in the refrigerator.

Toss the salad together and serve immediately

Spinach-Strawberry Salad with toasted almonds and
Poppy Seed dressing
Nicole Kraft
bliss n tell

1/2 c. mayo ( reduced fat is fine)
2 T. Vinegar
1/3 cup sugar
1/4 cup whole milk ( yes, whole milk is better, it makes it thicker)
2 T. poppy seeds

Whisk dressing together and toss with spinach, strawberries and almonds...
* Cooks note- this dressing will keep in the refrigerator for a few days.