Spinach Salad with Maple-Dijon Vinaigrette

Thanks for this recipe mom. By the way, multiply the vinaigrette 5 times and you get about 1 quart!







Spinach Salad with Maple-Dijon Vinaigrette

1/4 cup maple syrup
3 tablespoons minced shallots (about 1 medium)
2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
1 tablespoon canola oil
1 tablespoon country-style Dijon mustard
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
1 garlic clove, minced
1 cup toasted pecans
1/2 cup vertically sliced red onion
1/2 cup chopped Braeburn apple
4 bacon slices, cooked and crumbled
1 (10-ounce) package fresh spinach

Combine first 8 ingredients in a large bowl, stirring with a whisk. Add pecans and remaining ingredients; toss well to coat.

SWEET APPLE SALAD

This is one my mom invented from a couple of different recipes. It is a really great Waldorf type salad. Thanks Mom!


Dressing:

½ cup sugar
2 Tbsp. cornstarch
1 Tbsp. vinegar
1 Tbsp. butter
1 cup pineapple juice, drained from pineapple (add orange juice or water to make one cup if needed)
½ cup mayonnaise
1 tub Cool Whip

Salad Ingredients:

8 cups red apples, unpeeled, diced (I use Red Delicious)
1 (20 oz.) can pineapple chunks or tidbits
2 cups green seedless grapes, cut in half if desired
1 cup chopped pecans
1 cup chopped celery
You can add 1-2 cups miniature marshmallows if desired

To make dressing: Stir together sugar and cornstarch till smooth. Add remaining dressing ingredients. Cook until thick. Let cool completely. When cooled, fold in Cool Whip and mayonnaise. Pour over fruit, nuts, etc. and toss to coat; keeps well in fridge for several days.