Spinach Salad With Citrus, Cheese & Almonds

This delicious salad  pairs nicely with many
meals ~ It also makes a nice main course
when topped with chicken, turkey, ham,
or any other meat that you choose.

Ingredients:

3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil

1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar

2 teaspoons honey

1/8 teaspoon pink Himalayan or sea salt

1/4 - 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

1 small clove garlic pressed or crushed

5 cups packed baby spinach (about 5 ounces)

4 to 5 mandarin (or Cuties) oranges

1/4 of a red onion, sliced in thin slivers

1/4 cup toasted sliced almonds**

4 tablespoons crumbled feta or goat cheese***

Method:

In the morning, or one hour before assembling the salad, add the oil, vinegar, honey, salt, pepper and garlic to a jar or cruet with a lid. Cover with the lid and shake well to combine. Set aside.

Peal the oranges and separate the segments. Set aside. 

To serve in one bowl, add the spinach leaves to a large serving bowl. Scatter the orange segments over the spinach leaves. Top with the onions and almonds. Drizzle the dressing over all of the ingredients in the bowl and toss to coat. Sprinkle the cheese over the top. Makes 4 to 5 servings.

To prepare indivdual portions, divide the spinach leaves evenly between 4 or 5 small bowls or plates. Divide the orange segmants, onion and almonds evenly over the spinach. Drizzle dressing over each salad and sprinkle with the cheese. Makes 4 to 5 servings.

**Chopped whole almonds may be substituted for the sliced almonds.To toast almonds, preheat oven to 300*. Place 1 cup of sliced or whole almonds in a pie pan and bake for 10 minutes. Remove from oven and stir to turn. Return to oven for 5 - 10 minutes, watching carefully to make sure that the nuts do not become over browned. Remove from oven and cool.

***If desired, the cheese may be omitted.

Notes: 

This salad is simple, refreshing and healthy! 

To transform this salad from a side dish to a main dish, add chopped chicken or turkey breast.