Dinner in 20: Strawberry Spinach Salad

I always find it hard to get my act together to get dinner made when my husband is out of town. The other night while he was gone I asked my oldest son what he'd like for dinner, hoping to find some inspiration to get the job done. My 14 year old said he wanted dinner salad, yeah, really, he did. So I suggested that he make dinner for all of us.

This is what he made (with a little direction from me, but not too much)





Strawberry Spinach Dinner Salad

10 ounces spinach leaves
4 cups strawberries, sliced
8 oz diced ham
8 oz cubed mild white cheese (we use queso fresco, but monterrey jack, provelone or mozzerella, feta or even blue cheese would work too)
1/2 C toasted almonds (or other nuts)
Dressing:
1/2 cup vegetable oil
1/4 cup red wine vinegar
1/2 cup sugar
1/4 teaspoon paprika
2 tablespoons sesame seeds

Mix us the dressing. Tear the spinach leaves into bite sized pieces. Slice the berries. Toss everything with the dressing and serve with some nice bread.


The kids love this stuff and it is easy for them to make. My eldest was pretty proud of himself for making dinner that didn't come out of a box.