Yummy Strawberry Spinach Salad

With summer right around the corner and the heat starting to move in already here in Florida, it is the perfect time to start eating salads again. This recipe is one of my favorites now. You can do a lot with it to make it a little different each time. I have changed a few things with the salad that to me just made sense.

I don't put the fruit on it until I serve it and I serve the dressing on the side. It can be made a few hours ahead and left to chill while you do other things. As a side note, the dressing is a really good marinade for chicken. If you find it is too sweet, you can adjust the sugar and use less. You can also use Balsamic Vinegar in place of white vinegar.

Strawberry Spinach Salad

INGREDIENTS

* 2 tablespoons sesame seeds
* 1 tablespoon poppy seeds
* 1/4 cup white sugar (you can use your favorite sugar substitute)
* 1/2 cup olive oil
* 1/4 cup distilled white vinegar
* 1/4 teaspoon paprika
* 1/4 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
* 1 tablespoon minced onion (any kind, red works really well)
* 10 ounces fresh spinach - rinsed, dried and torn into bite-size pieces
* 1 quart strawberries - cleaned, hulled and sliced
* 1 small can Manderin Oranges
* 1/4 cup almonds, blanched and slivered (optional)

DIRECTIONS

1. In a medium bowl, whisk together the sesame seeds, poppy seeds, sugar, olive oil, vinegar, paprika, Worcestershire sauce and onion. Cover, and chill for one hour.
2. In a large bowl, combine the spinach, strawberries and almonds. Pour dressing over salad, and toss. Refrigerate 10 to 15 minutes before serving.

Disney's Strawberry Soup Recipe

Every time we go to the Grand Floridian we eat at the buffet there. They have this wonderful Strawberry Soup. Below is the recipe from Disney and the Grand Floridian. I have made this soup a few times when strawberries are at their peak here in Florida...it is to die for!!

If you would like to make it a little on the fancy side, puree some of the strawberries and swirl the puree on top of the soup. You can also serve the soup in melon bowls.

Strawberry Soup

from the Grand Floridian

2lb. 8oz. strawberries (frozen variety,thaw with juice)
1lb. Heavy Cream
2oz.Sour Cream
3oz. Yogurt
1/2 lb. Fresh Stawberries

Mix Strawberries, heavy cream, sour cream and yogurt. Beat slowly until well mixed and a smooth consistency. Chill, shake well before serving. Add fresh strawberries halves as garnish.