Strawberry Salad with Candied Almonds

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This post contains affiliate links. This strawberry salad is beyond yummy! The candied almonds and dressing make it! This recipe comes from Simple Strawberry Sensations, a cookbook authored by former Tampa area meteorologist Laura York. (I should really include the cookbook in My Favorite Things because it is one of my favorite things!) York’s recipe did not include the chicken but its addition makes the salad an entrée rather than a side. Plus it adds a good amount of protein. I had my girlfriend over for lunch one day and really wanted to make it so I put boneless skinless chicken breasts in the basket appliance of my Showtime rotisserie then sliced it and put it on top of the delicious salad. A brilliant idea, if I do say so myself! My friend asked for the recipe and has served it too! The best compliment a cook could ever get! In addition to adding the chicken I also added cucumber to make it my own.

A few notes to make this salad extra special: Chill the salad plates and forks. I sometimes use butter lettuce in addition to or in place of the Romaine. It’s my personal favorite lettuce. Serve with a slice of cornbread or slice of banana bread. Double the candied almonds…they make the salad!

Strawberry Salad with Candied Almonds

Yield: 2 main dish servings

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 10 minutes

Total Time: 25 minutes

A favorite summer salad.

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Ingredients

• Candied Almond Topping
• ¼ cup sliced almonds
• 1 Tablespoon plus 1 teaspoon sugar
• Salad
• 1 large bunch Romaine lettuce, torn into bite size pieces (I also like to use butter lettuce)
• 2 ½ cups Florida strawberries, hulled and sliced
• ½ cucumber, peeled and sliced
• 1 (11 ounce) can mandarin oranges, drained
• 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cooked and sliced
• Sweet and Sour Dressing
• ¼ cup vegetable oil
• 2 Tablespoons sugar
• 2 Tablespoons white vinegar
• ½ teaspoon salt
• Dash of black pepper

Instructions

1. For the almonds: In a small skillet, cook almonds and sugar over low heat, stirring constantly until sugar is melted and almonds are coated. Sprinkle almonds onto a sheet of waxed paper; let cool. Break almonds apart and set aside.
2. In a large salad bowl, toss the salad ingredients together until combined.
3. For the dressing: In a small container with a tight lid, combine the ingredients and shake to combine.
4. Pour the dressing over the salad and toss to combine. Divide among 2 plates and sprinkle candied almonds over salads.

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