Strawberry Spinach salad

Strawberry season is in full swing.  This is one of my favorite salads for a dinner party or picnic because it never disappoints.  Balsamic vinegar pairs really well with strawberries, but apple cider vinegar or orange juice would work well, too.  If you're not a blue cheese fan, try feta cheese instead.  The dressing can be used on other salads as well.  Enjoy!

Ingredients

Salad:

 1 bag baby spinach leaves1 pint ripe strawberries2/3 cup chopped walnuts or pecans¼ red onion cut into thin ‘rings’2 Tbsp. crumbled Bleu cheese or feta 

Dressing:

 2 Tbsp. canola oil2 Tbsp. balsamic vinegar1 tsp. Dijon mustard1 tsp. honey 

Directions

 Wash & dry spinach leaves and place in a large bowl.Wash and cut the berries into small chunks and add to spinach.Add red onions, chopped nuts and cheese crumbles.Whisk together ingredients for dressing.  Drizzle dressing over salad (and toss) right before serving. Makes 8 servings.  Nutrition information per serving:  194 calories, 15 grams fat, 3 grams protein, 12 grams carbohydrate, 3.3 grams fiber, 1 mg cholesterol, 150 mg sodium.