Best Southern Spinach Salad Recipes

SOUTHERN SPINACH SALAD

Steps:

• In a small pot over medium heat, rehydrate figs in vinegar for 1/2 hour. Let this mixture cool, then place in food processor, and pulse until figs are in small pieces. In a medium size bowl, whisk figs and shallots and add 1 1/2 cups olive oil, salt, and pepper.
• Preheat oven to 325 degrees F.
• Sprinkle the triangular toasts with oil, and season with salt and pepper. Toast the croutons in the oven. Crumble some of the blue cheese on top of each crouton. Melt the blue cheese on the toast points underneath the broiler.
• While cheese is melting, toss the baby spinach in the fig vinaigrette. Divide the spinach onto 2 plates, add 1/2 the onion slices and 1/2 the toasted pecans. Place 3 hot croutons on each plate.

OLD FASHIONED SOUTHERN SPINACH SALAD

Steps:

• 1. Mix the dressing ingredients in a plastic container (including the ice cube) and shake well.
• 2. Pour over the spinach, bacon and eggs. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
• 3. Toss well and serve. The dressing stays well for several weeks in the refrigerator.

SOUTHERN SPINACH SALAD WITH PECANS & STRAWBERRIES

Steps:

• Toast Pecans - Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Arrange pecans on a single layer on a baking sheet and roast in preheated oven for 7-10 minutes, until they just begin to darken. Remove from oven and set aside. Once cooled, coarsely chop half of the pecans, leaving the other whole. These can be stored safely for up to two weeks in an air-tight container, longer in a freezer.
• For Dressing - In a sauce pan, combine last five ingredients. Bring to a simmer, and simmer for 1 minute. Remove from heat. This can be stored in the fridge for up to 3 months.
• For Serving Salad - toss the spinach, strawberries, and red onion to mix. Top with pecans, blue cheese and dressing then lightly toss into salad. (If making this in advance, do the final toss right before serving, keeping the pecans and cheese separate).