Special Occasion Spinach Salad with a Raspberry Vinaigrette Dressing

SERVES 6

While the combination of ingredients is unusual, this makes a tasty addition to any special occasion meal.

FOR THE DRESSING

1⁄2 cup raspberry white wine vinegar

1 tablespoon Dijon mustard

1 teaspoon minced garlic

1⁄4 teaspoon salt

Large grind black pepper to taste

3⁄4 cup canola oil

In a small bowl, combine raspberry vinegar, Dijon mustard, garlic, salt, and pepper. Slowly pour in oil, whisking until blended. Cover and refrigerate until ready to serve

FOR THE SALAD

4 cups spinach leaves, washed, dried, and torn into bite-size pieces

1 head romaine lettuce, washed, dried, and torn into bite-size pieces

1 pint fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced

4 ounces blue cheese, crumbled

3 tablespoons sliced almonds, toasted

In a large salad bowl, combine spinach, romaine lettuce, strawberry slices, blue cheese, and toasted almonds. Drizzle with dressing. Toss and serve immediately.

Carol Ann

Carol Ann Kates is the award-winning author of cookbook, Secret Recipes from the Corner Market and Insider Grocery Shopping Secrets. She’s an expert in how to shop, select, and store produce for maximizing home cooking outcomes and minimizing time and money spent. As a former supermarket and deli operator, Carol Ann shares grocery-insider wisdom—the same expertise you used to receive when patronizing a mom-and-pop establishment. Contact her at CarolAnn@CarolAnnKates.com and explore her website, www.CarolAnnKates.com.