Spinach Salad with Curried Apple and Cashew Dressing #SundaySupper

As hot as it is during the summer, it's also a time to chill. Whether you're cooling off in front of the a/c or taking a dip in the pool. Or maybe it's a time to relax and enjoy the season. Ooooor, maybe it's time to enjoy foods that are served chilled.

I prefer to have all 3 versions of chill happening in tandem.

That's where Summer Chillin' comes into full play on Sunday Supper this weekend. It's all about serving food that's perfect for helping you accomplish the summer chillin trifecta.

Typically I love a loaded salad. The more stuff going on, the better. But there are days when I need to put in as little effort as possible to get the job done. Simplicity is key. When you have a simple salad with simple ingredients, I feel that the dressing needs to step up and be the hero.

In this case...I was not disappointed.

Let me introduce you to yet another wonderful recipe from Anne Byrn's cookbook.....'What Can I Bring?'. Seriously, if Anne really asked me that question, I wouldn't ask her to bring this salad because it's what I'd bringing!

The salad in and of itself is the simplest of simples. A few perfectly chosen ingredients, most of which need zero prep. Its the dressing that has me singing praises. If you don't have all of the ingredients already, you'll have no problem finding them.

Spinach Salad with Curried Apple and Cashew Dressing
Printable Version

For the salad dressing:
2 tablespoons white wine vinegar
1 tablespoon dry white wine
2 teaspoons Dijon mustard
1 teaspoon soy sauce
3 tablespoons sugar
1/2 teaspoon curry powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
1/2 cup vegetable oil

For the salad:
10 oz (about 8 cups loosely packed) lettuce, rinsed and drained
5 oz (about 4 cups loosely packed) fresh spinach leaves, rinsed and drained
1 medium Granny Smith apple, cored and chopped into 1/2" pieces
1/3 cup cashews
1/4 cup craisins
2 scallions. chopped
1 tablespoon toasted sesame seeds (browned in a skillet over medium heat for about a minute or two)

Making the dressing: In a medium sized bowl, whisk together all of the ingredients except the oil. Gradually add the oil just a little at a time while whisking. Continuing whisking for a couple seconds until the dressing thickens a tad.

Taste. Taste again because you can't believe how good it is. Taste it yet again because you are loving it! If needed, adjust the sugar or salt or pepper.

For the salad: Toss everything together. Serve with the dressing. Pour yourself a glass of wine, sit back and chill.

(Leftover dressing can be stored in the fridge for up to two weeks)

I really love the flavor combinations in this salad...the apple, craisins, cashews...and especially the dressing! But then again, I really like curry. The dressing is on the sweeter side (or course you can alter that according to your taste) and the curry flavor is perfect....a nice hint without being over powering.

For more great recipes to help you chill this summer, take a look at what my Sunday Supper friends put together.....

Summer Chillin' Recipe Preview: Brisk Beverages

• Blackberry and Peach Sparkling {Camping} Sangria from Simply Healthy Family
• Mocha Madness Milkshake from Desserts Required
• Savory Salted Cumin Mint Lassi With Greek Yogurt from Sue's Nutrition Buzz
• Skinny Watermelon Mojito from Peanut Butter & Peppers
• Southern Sweet Tea from Gluten Free Crumbley
• Strawberry Mango White Sangria from The Texan New Yorker
• The Polar Cap Drink from Seduction in the Kitchen
• Vanilla Root Beer Cream Soda from Feed Me, Seymour

Chilled Starters

• Avocado Hummus Dip from Shockingly Delicious
• Bak Kwa (Grilled Chili Pork Jerky) from Food Lust People Love
• Cucumber-Watercress Soup - Gazpacho Style from The Wimpy Vegetarian
• Gazpacho from Jelly Toast
• Green Gazpacho from The Not So Cheesy Kitchen
• Rabarbersuppe Med Vin (Danish Rhubarb Wine Soup from Culinary Adventures with Camilla
• Mexican Flag Guacamole from What Smells So Good?
• Polish Chilled Beet Soup (Chlodnik) from Curious Cuisiniere
• Tuna Tartare from Kimchi Mom
• White Gazpacho from The Little Ferraro Kitchen

Snappy Salads and Sides

• Antipasto Tortellini Pasta Salad from Neighborfood
• Broccoli Salad from Flavor Mosaic
• Cantaloupe Risotto from Confessions of A Culinary Diva
• Cold Peanut Noodles from girlichef
• Korean Salad from Noshing With The Nolands
• Layered Salad with Green Goddess Dressing from Delaware Girl Eats
• Pesto Pasta Salad from Supper for a Steal
• Picnic Orzo Salad from A Mama, Baby & Shar-pei in the Kitchen
• Spinach Salad with Curried Apple and Cashew Dressing from Peaceful Cooking
• Tortellini Pesto Pasta Salad from Serena Bakes Simply from Scratch
• Tuna and Potato Salad from Cindy's Recipes and Writings
• Quinoa Fruit Salad with a Creamy Yogurt Dressing from Simply Gourmet
• Watermelon, Mango and Arugula Salad from Take a Bite Out of Boca

Refreshing Main Dishes

• Buffalo and Blue Cheese Chicken Salad from Cupcakes & Kale Chips
• Chicken Bacon Ranch Pasta Salad from Cookin' Mimi
• Jalapeno Ham Salad from Bobbi's Kozy Kitchen
• Shrimp Ceviche from Kudos Kitchen by Renee
• Surimi Salad from Pescetarian Journal
• Zucchini Lasagna from Nosh My Way

Cool Confections

• Berry Ice Cream Bomb from Jane's Adventures in Dinner
• Cherry Cream Cheese Ice Cream from Magnolia Days
• Lemon Curd Parfait from Life Tastes Good
• Lemon Thyme Ice Pops from Country Girl in the Village
• Mocha Latte Ice Cream from The Foodie Army Wife
• No Maker Required Berry Ice Cream from Hot Momma's Kitchen Chaos
• No-Bake Penuche Drop Cookies from Killer Bunnies, Inc.
• No-Bake Raspberry and Japanese Yuzu Citrus Bars from NinjaBaking.com
• No Churn Lemon Ice Cream {Dairy Free} from Healthy. Delicious.
• Nutella and Pistachio Gelato from La Bella Vita Cucina
• Olive Oil Gelato from The Girl in the Little Red Kitchen
• Pluot Ice Cream from Crazy Foodie Stunts
• Raspberries and Cream Panna Cotta from A Kitchen Hoor's Adventures
• Salted Caramel Gelato from Manu's Menu
• Strawberry Cheesecake Ice Cream Pie from That Skinny Chick Can Bake
• Strawberry Cheesecake Ice Cream Sandwiches from The Redhead Baker
• Trio of Fruity Ice Cream Toppings from Foxes Love Lemons
• Vanilla Bean Chia Seed Pudding from Pies and Plots
• White Chocolate Fruit Dip from Hezzi D's Book and Cooks

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