Southern Strawberry Salad

Happy Father's Day to all!  We spent the day entertaining family.  We chose a southern bbq theme which went perfectly with the hot, sunny day.  Everyone seemed to appreciate the meal.  The salad was unanimously enjoyed.  I have armloads of romaine lettuce and fresh spinach in the garden.  The toasty nuts and sweet dressing worked great with the crunchy lettuce and the beautifully ripe strawberries.  We sent everyone home with fresh cut lettuce.  I chose this recipe to share because I was asked for it!  The recipe is inspired by a Trisha Yearwood recipe from her show, Home Cooking.

Southern Strawberry Salad
printable recipe

1 pkg. Ramen noodles, crushed (discard the flavor packet)
1/4 c. sliced almonds
1/4 c. sunflower seeds
1/4 c. butter, melted
1 head of romaine lettuce
2 c. fresh baby spinach
1 pint of strawberries, sliced
1 c. grated parmesan

Dressing:
3/4 c. sugar
1/2 c. red wine vinegar
3/4 c. extra virgin olive oil
1/2 tsp. smoked paprika
1/2 tsp. salt
2 garlic cloves, minced

Preheat the oven to 400 degrees.
In a small bowl combine the noodles, almonds, sunflower seeds and melted butter.

Spread the butter coated mixture on a baking sheet.
Bake for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, to toast.  Allow to cool.

In a large salad bowl combine the torn lettuce, spinach, strawberries and cheese.

For the dressing:  Dissolve the sugar in the vinegar.  Add the other ingredients and whisk until smooth.

Combine the salad mix, the nut mix and the dressing.  Toss to mix well.