Spinach Salad with Balsamic Wine Dressing

This recipe was sent to us by a friend who found it on-line somewhere.  It is a wonderful salad and a great addition to any meal.  The perfect light lunch.  Use the dressing sparingly when you want to cut back on your calories but you won’t feel “cheated” when you eat THIS!  It is fresh and filling and VERY TASTY!  Everyone in the family will love this one.

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SPINACH SALAD WITH BALSAMIC WINE DRESSING

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5 ounces fresh spinach leaves (remove the stem from the ends of the leaves)

3/4 cup chopped celery

3/4 cup dried cranberries

15 ounces mandarin oranges (I use the kind that are packed in fruit juice, NOT the syrup)

1 large Granny Smith apple, sliced in thin slices

1 teaspoon lemon juice

1/3 cup pecans (I saute these in a small pan with a bit of butter and salt for a slightly roasted flavor…just until lightly browned…then drain and cool)

1/3 cup Feta cheese

1 cup Orecchiette (little ears) pasta, cooked until tender

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Mix everything together in a large bowl.

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Dressing

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4 Tablespoons olive oil

2 Tablespoons apple cider vinegar (I use the BRAGG Organic brand, that includes the “mother”)

2 Tablespoons white wine vinegar

3 teaspoons sugar, honey or Stevia sweetener

1/8 teaspoon paprika

1/8 teaspoon onion powder

1 Tablespoon poppyseeds

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Mix everything together and put in a little pitcher so everyone can dress their own salad accordingly.

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BONE APPETIT!