Mandarin Orange, Spinach, & Almond Salad

by Jodi Turner

10 oz. bag fresh spinach, washed and drained
11 oz. can mandarin oranges, 2 T. juice reserved
1/2 c. extra-virgin olive oil
3 T. balsamic vinegar
1/4 c. honey roasted almond slivers*

In a salad bowl, combine spinach and mandarin orange segments. In another bowl, whisk together olive oil, vinegar, and mandarin orange juice. Pour the dressing over the spinach and oranges and toss gently. Top with almonds.

*To make almond slivers: Combine almonds, 3 T. sugar and 1 T. water over low heat, stirring occasionally. Continue to cook until almonds are coated with sugar and appear dry. Cool on a paper towel.