Lindas Spinach Salad With The Works Food

PERFECT SPINACH SALAD (NO, REALLY)

Steps:

• Make the hard boiled eggs, if using (or make them in advance). Chop them into bite-sized pieces.
• Add the pecans, soy sauce, maple syrup and smoked paprika to a small non-stick skillet over medium heat. When it just starts to bubble, reduce the heat to low but still slowly bubbling. Simmer 6 to 8 minutes, stirring occasionally. In the last minute when the liquid is mostly evaporated, stir continuously until it is totally cooked out and the nuts start clumping together. Immediately remove from the heat and transfer the pecans to a sheet of parchment paper in a single layer. Sprinkle with 2 pinches kosher salt and allow to cool to room temperature, about 5 minutes.
• Make the Balsamic Vinaigrette.
• Thinly slice the shallot. If using apple instead of hard boiled egg, thinly slice the apple.
• Place the spinach on plates or in bowls. Top with hard boiled eggs or apple slices, smoky pecans, sliced shallot, and feta cheese crumbles.

PERFECT SPINACH SALAD

Steps:

• Place the eggs in a saucepan, cover with water and bring to a boil. Then turn off the heat and allow to sit in the water for 20 minutes. Drain off the water and add ice on top of the eggs.
• Fry the bacon in a skillet until crispy/chewy. Remove to a paper towel. Drain the fat into a bowl and reserve. Give the skillet a wipe with kitchen paper.
• Slice the red onion very thinly, and then add to the skillet. Cook slowly until the onions are caramelized and reduced. Remove to a plate and set aside.
• Slice the mushrooms and add them to the same skillet with a little of the reserved bacon fat if needed. Cook slowly until caramelized and brown. Remove to a plate and set aside. Chop the bacon. Peel and slice the eggs.
• Make the hot bacon dressing:
• Add 3 tablespoons of the reserved bacon fat, vinegar, sugar, Dijon and salt to a small saucepan or skillet over medium-low heat. Whisk together and heat thoroughly until bubbly. Add the spinach to a large bowl. Arrange the onions, mushrooms and bacon on top. Pour the hot dressing over the top; toss to combine. Arrange the eggs over the top and serve.
• Per serving: Calories 270; Total Fat 22.5 grams; Saturated Fat 7.5 grams; Protein 10 grams; Total Carbohydrate 7 grams; Sugar: 2 grams; Fiber 2 grams; Cholesterol 123 milligrams; Sodium 526 milligrams

WILTED SPINACH SALAD

Steps:

• Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Fill a bowl with ice and water; add onion; let sit for 30 minutes. Drain, and set aside. Place bread on a baking tray; toast, tossing occasionally, until golden and crisp, 10 to 15 minutes; set croutons aside to cool.
• Place beets in a small saucepan, and cover with cold water. Bring to a boil, and cook until tender, about 30 minutes. Drain; cool until able to handle. Peel, and cut into 1/2-inch cubes; set aside.
• While beets are cooking, make dressing: Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a medium skillet over medium heat. Add shallot, and cook until tender, about 3 minutes. Whisk in honey mustard, vinegar, sugar, salt, and pepper. Cook, whisking constantly, until sugar has dissolved, about 1 minute. Slowly whisk in remaining 3 tablespoons olive oil. Reduce heat to low; keep dressing warm. Add cooked beet cubes to dressing, and stir to coat.
• Place onions, spinach, and mushrooms in a bowl. Drizzle with warm dressing; toss to coat evenly. Garnish with croutons. Serve warm or at room temperature.

LINDA'S SPINACH SALAD WITH THE WORKS

Steps:

• Snap off the woody ends of the asparagus and discard. Take the rest of the asparagus, and cut them into 1" pieces.
• Blanch them in boiling, salted water for a couple of minutes, until just crisp-tender.
• Drain the asparagus, and plunge in cold water until completely cooled. Drain again.
• Meanwhile, for the dressing, blend together Poppy Seed dressing, orange peel, and orange juice.
• In a salad bowl combine the spinach, asparagus, artichokes, and strawberries.
• Lightly toss with the dressing.
• Place on serving plates, and garnish with toasted nuts, and cheese.