Spinach Salad with Dried Cherries

Another lovely recipe from Martha Stewart. This is a great salad for a baby shower or when you want something easy that feels fancy. You can also add some crumbled gorgonzola cheese (about 1/2 cup). I sometimes double the candied nuts because they are so good.



1/2 cup walnut halves (pecans work well too)
1/4 cup granulated sugar
4 teaspoons red-wine vinegar
1 tablespoon Dijon Mustard
2 tablespoons olive oil
course salt
fresh ground pepper
8 ounces baby spinach
1/2 cup thinly sliced red onion
1/2 cup dried cherries (you can substitute with cranberries)

Place walnuts and sugar in a skillet over medium heat, stirring constantly until the sugar dissolves into a light brown liquid and coats the walnuts. Remove walnuts from skillet, and spread them out on a sheet of aluminum foil to cool. (You can also buy walnuts or pecans already candied at Trader Joes if you have one near you)

In a large bowl whisk together the vinegar, mustard, and oil until combined and thickened; season with salt and pepper. Add the spinach, onion, and cherries to the dressing; toss to combine. Top the salad with the candied walnuts (and gorgonzola) and serve immediately. You can also add sliced pears.