Strange Summer Salads, Part I

In the spirit of spring, and because I like making strange (to other people) salads, I thought I'd post a salad recipe occasionally. I won't post a salad recipe that I haven't tried....we've found, through bookclub, that's just a disaster. Always try it before you share it.

This is one of my FAVORITE salads, and it's really not all that strange. But I'm making it today, and it seemed like a good one to start with. (Lure you in, then pull the switcheroo...)

Spinach Salad with Strawberries

(Lisa Waterman, this one's for you! You don't even have to disguise the spinach. Just dress it up.)

In a large salad bowl, toss about 5 cups of fresh spinach (or 1 boughten bag) with 1 pint of sliced strawberries.

Dressing:

1/2 c. sugar (yes, 1/2 cup)

2 T. sesame seeds

1 T. poppy seeds

1 1/2 tsp onion, minced

1/4 tsp. worcestershire sauce

1/4 tsp. paprika

1/2 c. salad oil (such as canola)

1/4 c. vinegar

Put all dressing ingredients in a blender and mix well.

Toss with the spinach and strawberries.

Optional topping, after dressing the salad, are bits of bacon and sliced,toasted almonds. It really is gilding the lily, but if you REALLY want to impress, that's the way to do it.

Bon Appetite!