If spring has a flavor, it would be that of tender, young spinach leaves…so fresh and “green” and willing to share the spot-light with sweet, local strawberries.
Ingredients
- 1/2 pound fresh baby spinach rinsed and dried
- 1 pint fresh Ohio strawberries sliced
- 1/2 cup pecans lightly toasted, coarsely chopped
- 1/3 cup crumbled blue cheese
- ~~ Vinaigrette Ingredients ~~
- 2 tablespoons white balsamic vinegar or fruit vinegar
- 1/2 tablespoon minced shallot
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 1/4 cup canola oil
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
Directions
In a large salad bowl, toss the spinach with sliced strawberries, pecans and cheese. Combine the vinegar, shallot, honey, thyme and mustard in a blender. Blend for 30 seconds. Add the oil, salt and pepper and blend for another 30 seconds. Drizzle over the salad and toss until the leaves are coated. Serve immediately.
Makes 4 servings.
Photo by Jodi Miller