Fresh Spinach & Winter Fruits Salad

One serving of salad ~ Delicious & Refreshing!

Dressing Ingredients:

4 tablespoons olive or avocado oil

2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar

2 tablespoons white wine vinegar

2 teaspoons sugar or honey

1/8 smoked paprika

1/8 teaspoon onion powder

1/8 teaspoon black pepper

1 tablespoon poppyseeds

Salad Ingredients:

1 large honeycrisp or fuji apple

1 teaspoon lemon juice

5 cups (5 ounces) baby spinach

3/4 cup (about 2 medium stalks) celery chopped

3/4 cup dried cranberries

1 (15 ounce) can mandarin oranges, drained or 3 - 4 fresh mandarin oranges separated into segments

1/2 cup pomegranate seeds (optional)

1 cup toasted or candied pecans**

Optional Garnish:

1/2 - 3/4 cup crumbled feta or blue cheese

Method:

Add all of the dressing ingredients to a jar or cruet with a lid. Attach the lid and shake to mix. Set aside. Or, place in the refrigerator for 20 minutes or longer.

Chop the apple and toss with the lemon juice.

Toss the remaining salad ingredients and the apples together. Toss with the dressing or serve with the dressing on the side. Garnish with the cheese or serve on the side. Makes 6 two cup servings or 12 one cup servings.

**Raw pecans may be used, but I prefer them to be toasted or candied. Here are links for quick and simple recipes for toasted and candied pecans:

https://carriekitchencreations.blogspot.com/2016/06/toasted-pecans.html

https://carriekitchencreations.blogspot.com/2018/02/favorite-cinnamon-candied-pecans-or.html

Note: This delicious salad is very refreshing. The ingredients also provide a healthy boost to the thyroid glands.