Fresh

I love making - and eating - good salads.  I put this together Saturday night to take to a dinner that Amanda and I went to.  It made me so glad that we're getting back into strawberry season.

Strawberry Almond Salad

Salad:

1 large bunch of green leaf lettuce

sliced fresh strawberries (1/2 - 1 pound)

Almonds:

1 C. sliced almonds

1/2 C. sugar

Dressing:

1/3 C. white vinegar

1 t. yellow mustard

1 t. salt

1/2 C. sugar

2 t. dried minced onion

1 C. oil

1 1/2 T. poppy seeds

Almonds:

Put almonds and sugar in  a large non-stick frying pan and cook over medium-high heat, stirring frequently, until the sugar carmelizes (melts) and coats the almonds.  Pour immediately onto foil that has been sprayed with cooking spray. Cool completely.

Dressing:

In a blender mix vinegar, mustard, salt, sugar and onion.  While blender is running slowly add oil in a steady stream (through the hole in the top of the lid).  When mixed add poppy seeds.  Pour into dressing container and chill.

Salad:

Put lettuce & berries in a large bowl.  Before serving toss with almonds and dressing - or serve dressing on the side.