Kick It Off Right.

I’ll admit I heart Valentine’s Day.  I dress my little ones in red and white and my salad in light pink dressing. Red wine vinegar gives the poppy seed dressing just a hint of pink and the perfect amount of tart.  I use fresh strawberries when I can, but left out the red onion this time, just in case…XOXO. Recipe follows…

Sweetheart Salad

1/2 Bag of Mixed Greens
1/2 Bag of Romain Lettuce
1 Red Onion, sliced
1 large can mandarin oranges
1 c. cranberries or sliced strawberries

Sugared Almonds:
1/2 c. sliced almonds
1/4 c. sugar

Dressing:
1/2 c. mayonnaise
2-3 T. red wine vinegar (use 2T., taste, then add more if desired)
1/3 c. sugar
1/4 c. milk
1-1/2 T. sour cream
1 T. poppy seeds

Combine greens and onion in large bowl. Place almonds and sugar in skillet and stir over medium heat until almonds are coated with the melted sugar. Remove nuts from pan and spread out on waxed paper to cool.

Combine all dressing ingredients in a small bowl. Add dressing, almonds, and fruit to salad just before serving, or just mix salad and dressing, then serve the rest on top.