I got a deep green bunch of spinach in my CSA box today, and developed this savory salad to bring out the best in this peak of season green.

I love how the rich flavor of smoked almonds (think bacon without the mess or saturated fat) pairs well with the gentle sweetness of dates and the freshness of spinach.

I will also add a recipe for a basic vinaigrette that pairs well with this salad.  I don’t buy prepared salad dressings, preferring instead to use good quality oil and either citrus juice or vinegar and salt and pepper.   But when I make a dressing in advance, this is my go-to vinaigrette.   Enjoy!

Spinach with Smoked Almonds and Dates

for the salad:
big bunch of fresh spinach, washed and torn into bite size pieces
1/4 cup smoked almonds, rough chopped
3 – 4 large Medjool dates, pitted and diced**

for the vinaigrette:
1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
1 1/2 TB vinegar*
1/4 tsp. sea salt
fresh ground black pepper

Whisk the oil, vinegar, salt, and pepper together for the vinaigrette.  Dress the spinach with some of the vinaigrette (amount is to taste), then top with chopped almonds and dates.  Enjoy!

*for this vinaigrette I recommend one of these vinegars: sherry, champagne, white wine or cider vinegar.

**Medjool dates are large, delicious dates.  But any chopped date will work for this salad.