• 8 cups fresh baby spinach, washed and dried
  • 1/2 a large apple, peeled and cut into matchstick pieces
  • 1 pint fresh organic strawberries, hulled and sliced
  • 3/4 cup sliced almonds
  • VINAIGRETTE
  • 1/4 cup apple juice concentrate
  • 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
  • 1/2 cup or less of canola or grapeseed oil
  • 1 tablespoon poppy seeds

I must make a declaration. This my favorite salad of 2013!

How many ways can you make a spinach salad? Lots actually.

But in my humble opinion a really good spinach salad requires a few good things.

1. Tender baby spinach leaves

2. A really good vinaigrette

3. Additions like fresh fruit and nuts

 

One of my favorite spinach salads is my baby spinach salad with pecans, dried cranberries and a maple vinaigrette.

IMG_4764

How gorgeous and yummy-looking is that?

My son Nathaniel and daughter-in-love Amanda told me about this incredible spinach salad they enjoyed at a restaurant in Clayton, NC. Last week my youngest son Alex, Amanda and I went up that way to visit Pauper’s Bookstore. What a great place! We spent way too much time there! We could have brought our sleeping bags and stayed the night.

You think they would have let us do that?

A visit to the large children’s section in the back of the store, brought back an abundance of memories!

Near the bookstore was the restaurant, the Skyline Cafe, where this infamous spinach salad was sold. In addition to the refreshing apple vinaigrette was crumbled crispy bacon and goat cheese.

I decided to make this a side salad so I omitted the bacon and cheese and added fresh apple and strawberries.

It. Was. Beyond. Delicious!

To Wash or Not To Wash – THAT is the question most asked.

The package says “triple washed.” WASH THEM AGAIN. No question. It only takes a minute. Submerge your spinach leaves in water with a tablespoon of Veggie Wash, lemon juice or distilled vinegar. Stir around, rinse well and dry.

Make your vinaigrette by pouring your thawed apple juice concentrate, apple cider vinaigrette and poppy seeds into a bowl. Stir and slowly drizzle in your oil while whisking well. Store in a container and shake when ready to use.

When ready to serve and eat assemble your salad by placing a nice layer of your beautiful baby spinach on your plate or platter. Adorn with sliced strawberries, apples sticks and sliced almonds. Drizzle your yummy vinaigrette over the top. You need only a little of the vinaigrette.

To enjoy this salad as a full meal, simply adorn it with a little crispy crumbled bacon and goat cheese.

You’re welcome!

Hugs!

Elise