Sesame Spinach Salad

This is a salad that everyone makes their own version of - I got this one from my friend, Joanna. I had been wary of making this because I wasn't sure how the hard Ramen noodles would really taste in the salad, but it turned out delicious. Something about the flavorful mix of the noodles and the sesame vinaigrette with the spinach and cole slaw really works.

And I am always a proponent of making things in advance if you can, but you really can't add the dressing to this salad more than about a half hour before you want to eat it. If you are pressed for time, assemble all the dry ingredients and make the dressing, then toss the salad right before serving. Enjoy!

Sesame Spinach Salad

from Joanna

Makes enough for a crowd

10 ounces baby spinach

1 bag cole slaw mix

8 scallions, chopped

2 packages Ramen noodles (crush noodles and discard flavor packets)

1/2 cup sliced almonds

2 tablespoons sesame seeds

Dressing:

2 tablespoons sesame oil

3/4 cup canola or vegetable oil

1 teaspoon garlic salt

1/4 cup sugar

1 teaspoon pepper

6 tablespoons Balsamic vinegar

Lightly saute the almonds and sesame seeds in a small amount of vegetable oil. Add all other ingredients (except dressing) together and toss.

Whisk together all dressing ingredients and reserve. Toss all together about 10 minutes before serving.