Over this past summer my college friends came to visit my hometown for the weekend. I had all the restaurants and activities planned to a tee; I wanted them to experience as much of my small hometown as possible. The only thing I didn’t account for was my doctor’s appointment during the first day that I tried so hard to cancel but couldn’t. My mom was kind enough to step in and said she would entertain my friends while I was gone for an hour, I was hesitant but there was nothing I could do.
After I came back, she had made them lunch and they were all chatting about something I can’t remember. However, what I do remember is them raving about how good my mom’s salad was as soon as I got into the kitchen. I was starving, so of course I took a bowl and started catching up with my roommates about what had gone on in our lives since school ended. And honestly, I don’t know what it was but by the time we finished our conversation all the salad from my mom’s huge bowl was gone. There was something about that salad that we could not get over, it was just so refreshing, the perfect symbol of summer.
Still every time my roommates know my mom is coming to visit, they always ask her to make the salad, yes it had the perfect flavors, but it also carried the memories of that summer weekend. And how even this week when my mom brought over some salad, I still think of sitting outside with the warm sun, just laughing about my roommates’ crazy adventures. And yes, we did other stuff that weekend, even went to Canada, but still that afternoon lunch was the highlight. Although summer has officially ended, here is the recipe that I begged my mom for, so you can feel like you are experiencing a summer day again too.
Spinach Strawberry Salad Recipe:
6 servings
3/4 cup raw slivered almonds- toasted
1/2 small red onion- thinly sliced
10 ounces fresh spinach blend
1 quart strawberries- quartered
3/4 cup crumbled feta cheese
Poppy Seed Dressing Recipe:
1/4 cup balsamic vinegar
3 Tablespoons olive oil
1 Tablespoons poppy seeds
1 1/2 Tablespoons honey
1/2 teaspoon Dijon mustard
1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
1/8 teaspoon black pepper
Place thinly sliced onions in cold water, let sit to remove harsh taste.
In small bowl whisk together all dressing ingredients until well combined.
Assemble the salad- spinach blend and strawberries. Drain onions and add to salad.
Drizzle some of the dressing to coat the leaves. Add more if needed. Add cheese and almonds. Combine and serve.
Add grilled chicken breast if you so choose.
Enjoy! :)