Spinach And Citrus Salad With Sweet And Spicy Pecans Recipes

GINA'S SPINACH SALAD WITH SPICED PECANS

Steps:

• Pecans: Melt the butter in a large skillet over medium-low heat. Stir in all the spices and the pecans. Stir and toast the pecans for about 5 minutes. Transfer them to a plate to cool.
• Salad: Whisk together the Dijon mustard, shallots, and balsamic vinegar in a small bowl. Drizzle in the olive oil in a continuous stream, whisking to emulsify. Season with a pinch of sugar, and salt and pepper, to taste.
• Add the spinach to a large serving bowl. Toss the greens with the prepared dressing, the bacon, blue cheese, cherry tomatoes and spiced pecans.

SPICY MANDARIN SPINACH SALAD

Steps:

• Combine reserved liquid from mandarin oranges, canola oil, olive oil, mustard, cloves, and Chinese five-spice powder in a jar with a tight-fitting lid; seal jar and shake vigorously until the dressing emulsifies.
• Melt butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Stir pecans and sugar into the butter; let simmer until hot, 1 to 2 minutes. Season the pecans with rosemary and cayenne pepper; continue cooking another 1 to 2 minutes. Remove from heat and drain pecans on a plate lined with paper towels.
• Toss spinach leaves and green onion together in a large mixing bowl; top with mandarin oranges and pecans. Drizzle dressing over the salad to serve.