I have to admit I haven't made this yet. My sister-in-law (Connie) found it on pinterest and made it for Easter. I thought it was delicious. She said it was a little putsy especially making the almonds, but I loved it. I think the dressing would be good on a grilled veggie and potato salad this summer. You could also add grilled chicken to this recipe and make it a nice dinner. Hmmmm, I think that is what we will be having this weekend. It may still be snowing, but I'll be out there grilling. Let me know of any alterations you try. ( I have never seen white balsamic vinegar. If I can't find that I will used dark.)
Cranberry-Avocado Salad with Candied Spiced Almonds and Sweet White Balsamic Vinaigrette
Dressing:
1/2 c sugar
1 1/2 T poppy seeds
1 1/2 T sesame seeds
1 tsp paprika
2 tsp dried mustard
1 T minced sweet onion
1 tsp sea salt
1 tsp freshly ground black pepper
1/2 c white balsamic vinegar
1/3 c vegetable oil
1/3 c extra virgin olive oil
Combine all ingredients in a pint sized glass jar and shake well to dissolve sugar.
Almonds:
5 cups sliced almonds (1 lb pkg)
1 c sugar
3 T butter
2 tsp cinnamon
1 tsp cumin
1 1/2 smoked paprika
1 tsp vanilla
sea salt
1. Place a large sheet of foil on a work surface. Spray with cooking spray or rub a tsp of oil over foil with a pater towel
2. Place sugar in a large non-stick skillet and heat over medium heat, occasionally tipping and swirling the sugar until it's all melted into a pale gold syrup.
3 Lower the heat immediately and add butter, cinnamon, smoked paprika and vanilla. Stir until well combined and all the butter is incorporated into the sugar syrup
4. Add the nuts and stir gently to coat. Don't worry if you have some clumps of sugar-they will melt. Cover an contiue to cook on low, stirring every minute or so until almonds are a delicious gold brown. Watch carefully because they can burn quickly. When browned, spread out on the foil and sprinkle with sea salt.
Salad:
12 oz baby spinach, arugula and field greens
1 small bunch cilantro, washed, dried and leaves roughly chopped (don't worry if you get few stems in there)
2 medium avocados, peeled and halved
1 1/2 c dried cranberries
1 1/2 c candied spiced almonds
Mix all ingredients together. Sprinkle with sea salt and ground pepper. Can dress salad right before serving or pass along the dressing.
