Ingredients

The following ingredients have 5 Servings
  • 1 cup (95g) sliced or slivered almonds
  • 1/4 cup + 2 tablespoons (80g) white granulated sugar
  • 1/3 cup (72g) full-fat mayonnaise ((I recommend Best Foods/Hellmans))
  • 2 tablespoons EACH: whole milk, heavy cream, white granulated sugar
  • 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
  • 1/2 teaspoon lemon zest
  • pinch of salt and pepper
  • 1/2 tablespoon poppy seeds
  • 8 cups (140g; 5 oz) baby spinach or mixed greens
  • 2 cups (275g) strawberries, (stems removed and sliced)
  • 1 ripe large avocado (diced (or 2 small avocados))
  • 1/3 cup (45g) crumbled feta cheese

Instruction

  • CANDIED ALMONDS: Place the sliced almonds and sugar in a large skillet over medium heat. Cook and stir constantly. The sugar will begin to melt, become a sticky liquid, and then stick to the almonds. This takes about 3-4 minutes; watch carefully and stir constantly to avoid burning the nuts. As soon as the sugar starts turning liquid-y, remove the skillet from the heat and continue to stir until almonds are well coated. Spread the candied almonds onto a sheet of parchment paper and let cool. Once hardened, break apart and set aside.
  • DRESSING: Combine all of the ingredients, except the poppy seeds, in a small blender jar and process until combined. Taste and adjust any flavors to personal preference. (If you'd like a sweeter dressing, add an additional 1-2 tablespoons white sugar.) Stir in the poppy seeds. Store in an airtight container in the fridge until ready to serve (Dressing stays good for 1 week stored this way).
  • SALAD ASSEMBLY: Add the mixed greens to a large platter or bowl. Remove the stems of the strawberries and slice thinly. Peel the avocado, remove the pit, and then chop or thinly slice. Add the strawberries and avocado to the lettuce, followed by the feta cheese and candied almonds to personal preference; we add about 1/3 cup. (See Note 1) Drizzle on the dressing (to personal preference, you may not use all the dressing -- See Note 2) and toss the salad. Enjoy immediately.
  • STORAGE: This salad doesn't sit well with the dressing, so only dress what will be enjoyed the same day. Store any leftover salad and dressing separately. Almonds and cheese should also be stored separately. Avocado will brown if cut in advance.