Spinach Salads

"On the subject of spinach: divide into little piles. Rearrange again into new piles. After five of six maneuvers, sit back and say you are full."
Delia Ephron, How To Eat Like A Child

Vitamin C, vitamin K, beta-carotene, iron, magnesium, riboflavin, folate; all these benefits make spinach a wonder-food in my book. Here is a great place to learn more about the health benefits of spinach. On some days when you don't feel like a big meal, a delicious, light salad fits the bill perfectly. From March until May, spinach is in season and can be paired with fruits for the most mouthwatering salads. Here are two favorites!

Note: Be sure to wash the leaves thoroughly to protect yourself from e. coli. If you like to play fast and loose with spinach-washing, just take a minute to think about how e. coli gets on the spinach. Either way, here's some brain soap to get that image out of your mind: kitten with dandelion.

Sumptuous Spinach Salad with Orange Sesame Dressing

1 bunch fresh spinach
1 red or yellow bell pepper cut into strips
1/4 to 1/2 cup thinly sliced red onion
1 orange, peeled and sliced into thin rounds
1 TBS sesame seeds
2 TBS seasoned rice vinegar
1 TBS orange juice concentrate
1 TBS water

Trim the spinach stems and carefully wash the leaves. Dry with paper towels, then tear any large leaves into bite-size pieces. Place in a salad bowl along with the pepper, onion and orange slices.
Toast the sesame seeds in a 400 degree toaster oven or oven for 10 minutes. Transfer to a blender and grind into a powder. Add the vinegar, orange juice concentrate, and water. Blend to mix. Pour over salad and toss just before serving. Serves 4-6.

Spinach Strawberry Salad

12 oz fresh spinach leaves
1 qt fresh strawberries- hulled and quartered
2 tsp. sesame seeds
1/2 cup vegetable oil
1/2 cup granulated sugar
1/4 cup white vinegar
1 1/2 tsp. grated onion
1/4 tsp. Worcestershire sauce
1/4 tsp. paprika

-Wash spinach and dry between paper towels. Tear into bite-size pieces. Toss together spinach, strawberries, and sesame seeds in a large bowl; set aside.
-In a separate bowl, beat together oil, sugar, vinegar, onion, Worcestershire sauce, and paprika.
-Pour prepared dressing over salad and toss to coat. Serve immediately. Serves 4-6.