Trying to come up with delicious but healthy dishes to serve can be a challenge, especially when they involve the dreaded “green veggies.” (It can be even more difficult when your target audience is in the twelve-and-under crowd!) But don’t despair! Here is a fantastic recipe that will please even the pickiest of eaters! You can get the guests at your party, or potluck to eat their veggies, and even manage a smile while they are doing it. The delicious combination of the sweet poppy-seed dressing and strawberries, goes beautifully with the crunchy spinach, and nutty almonds. One recommendation, make the dressing far enough in advance that it has time to chill in the refrigerator for at least an hour before serving. The flavors blend so much better when they have a chance to hang out together for a while!

Now, I know that putting strawberries with spinach, might seem strange. They go together beautifully though, and create a dish that is almost unbearably fresh and good! This is an especially great recipe for summertime meals because it a. requires no cooking, b. uses seasonal ingredients, like fresh-picked strawberries, and c. is easy-breezy, lemon-squeezey! Take this opportunity to try something new, you won’t be sorry, I promise!

Servings: 4

Ingredients:
2 tablespoons sesame seeds
1 tablespoon poppy seeds
1/2 cup white sugar
1/2 cup olive oil
1/4 cup distilled white vinegar
1/4 teaspoon paprika

1/4 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
1 tablespoon minced onion
10 ounces fresh spinach – rinsed, dried
and torn into bite-size pieces
1 quart strawberries – cleaned, hulled
and sliced
1/4 cup almonds, blanched and slivered
Directions:

1.     In a medium bowl, whisk together the sesame seeds, poppy seeds, sugar, olive oil, vinegar, paprika, Worcestershire sauce and onion. Cover, and chill for one hour.
2.     In a large bowl, combine the spinach, strawberries and almonds. Pour dressing over salad, and toss. Refrigerate 10 to 15 minutes before serving.