Spinach and Melon Salad with Honey Citrus Vinaigrette

Holly Clegg, author of trim & Terrific Gulf Coast Favorites

Looking for a great summer salad that’s refreshing, colorful, and jam-packed with flavor? Here it is! Give your taste buds a thrill with this fruity spinach salad accented with Maple Pecans, if desired. Look for more yummy recipes from Holly Clegg's trim & Terrific Gulf Coast Favorites.

Ingredients

• 1 (6-ounce) package fresh baby spinach
• 1 cup cubed seeded watermelon
• 1 cup cubed cantaloupe
• 1 small cucumber, peeled and thinly sliced
• 1/2 cup red onion, halved and thinly sliced
• Honey Citrus Vinaigrette (recipe below)
• Maple Pecans (optional, recipe below)

Preparation

• In large bowl, combine together all ingredients. Toss with Honey Citrus Dressing (recipe below) and Maple Pecans (recipes below).

Honey Citrus Vinaigrette

• 2 tablespoons honey
• 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 2 tablespoons orange juice
• 1 tablespoon lime juice
• Salt and pepper
• Dash hot sauce

1. In small bowl, whisk together all ingredients.

Makes 6 servings

Maple Pecans
Simple and adds that extra enticing crunch and sweetness to any salad or use as a snack.

• 1/4 cup pecan halves
• 1 tablespoon maple syrup

1. Preheat oven to 375ºF. Coat baking sheet with nonstick cooking spray.
2. In small bowl, mix together pecans and maple syrup. Spread on prepared pan. Bake 10 minutes or until lightly browned.

Nutritional Analysis (per serving)

• Calories 77
• Calories from fat (%) 28
• Fat (g) 3
• Saturated Fat (g) 0
• Cholesterol (mg) 0
• Sodium (mg) 29
• Carbohydrate (g) 14
• Dietary Fiber (g) 1
• Sugars (g) 11
• Protein (g) 2
• Diabetic Exchanges: 1 carbohydrate, 1/2 fat

Nutritional information per serving of Maple Pecans:

• Calories 40
• Calories from fat (%) 72
• Fat (g) 3
• Saturated Fat (g) 0
• Cholesterol (mg) 0
• Sodium (mg) 0
• Carbohydrate (g) 3
• Dietary Fiber (g) 0
• Sugars (g) 2
• Protein (g) 0
• Diabetic Exchanges: 1/2 fat