What says Spring more than fresh spinach and strawberries? I have a lonely bunch of spinach that popped up volunteer in my garden in late March. The strawberries at the market are beautiful, so time to celebrate spring with this luscious salad. I opted to top the salad with red onion and walnuts today but top with other items to make your salad unique!

STRAWBERRY SPINACH SALAD
12 ounces fresh baby spinach
2 pints fresh strawberries, sliced
Optional Toppings: sliced red onion, walnuts, crumbled goat cheese, chopped fresh broccoli, blanched sugar snap peas,
SESAME-POPPY SEED DRESSING:
1 cup sugar
1/2 cup cider vinegar
1 tablespoon minced onion
1/2 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
1/4 teaspoon salt
1 cup oil
1/4 cup sesame seeds, toasted
2 tablespoons poppy seeds
- SALAD: Combine baby spinach and strawberries in a large bowl; toss with 1/2 cup Sesame-Poppy Seed Dressing just before serving. Service with remaining dressing and toppings.
- DRESSING: Pulse first 5 ingredients in a blender 2 or 3 times or until smooth. With blender running, add oil in a slow, steady stream; process until smooth. Stir in poppy seeds; chill 24 hours.