Strawberry Spinach Salad by Kellie Jean

It is 5 o’clock and I am waiting to hear,” What’s for dinner?” My kids are back in school and I now have a 4th grader and a kindergartener. It’s just me and my little one and I have three whole hours of freedom in the morning. I did the mad dash to the store because my of my new found freedom and the joy of going to the grocery store with only one kid! It has been extremely hot outside and I don’t want to turn on my oven any time soon. Salads have been a big hit in my house this summer and my kids never liked them before. This salad is so easy and you can have your kids help make it. Some of the best family bonding time happens in the kitchen. Enjoy it! Feel free to make it your own.


Strawberry Spinach Salad

Dressing
1 lemon
2 tablespoons white wine vinegar
1/3 cup sugar
1 tablespoon vegetable oil
1 teaspoon poppy seeds
Salad
¼ cup sliced almonds
1 ½ cups strawberries, hulled and sliced
½ medium cucumber, sliced and cut in half
¼ small red onion, sliced into thin wedges
1 package (6 ounces) baby spinach
1 thawed chicken breast, grilled (or store bought already cooked)*

1. For dressing, zest lemon to measure ½ teaspoon zest. Juice lemon to measure 2 tablespoons juice. If you want to add more tart, add more juice. Combine zest, lemon juice, vinegar, sugar, oil, and poppy seeds. Wisk well and refrigerate until ready to use.
2. Next, grab your egg slicer. Remove hull first and then put you strawberry face down in the egg slicer and push down quickly. If an egg slicer is not available, just use and knife and slice.
3.The cucumber can be peeled, unpeeled, or just scored. Slice cucumber into thin slices and cut in half. The onion should be wedged and then sliced thin for light flavor or thick for a bolder taste.
4. Place spinach in a large serving bowl. Add strawberries, cucumber, onion, and chicken. Wisk dressing; pour over salad, and toss gently. Sprinkle almonds on top. Serve immediately.
*Tips: You can use your favorite nuts other than almonds. I sometimes use walnuts. You can toast the nuts in the toaster oven or regular oven at 400 all taste degrees for 10-15 minutes. This adds wonderful flavor, crunch, and should impress all taste buds.

* You can purchase a rotisserie chicken at your local market and use this instead of grilling your own.

Toast up some of your favorite French bread or garlic bread and your meal is complete!