My favourite Salad! Perfect for those hot, lazy summer days.

The toasted pine nuts really give this salad an amazing flavour. This warm spinach salad with tantalizing dressing will quickly become one of your favorites!

Warm Spinach and Basil Salad

Dressing

Ingredients:

1 large shallot
2 cloves garlic
1/3 cup well packed basil leaves
1/3 cup extra virgin olive oil
2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
1 teaspoon lemon juice


Salad

Ingredients: 1 bunch of spinach leaves (washed and drained) *I used a pre-washed box*
1/4 cup of basil leaves
1/2 a red pepper, pitted and sliced into 1 inch strips
1-2 Tbsps of toasted pine nuts
1 Tbsp of freshly grated Parmesan cheese (must be fresh)
Pepper to taste


Directions:

Blend the dressing ingredients in a food processor until smooth.
Make sure that the spinach is completely dry , then store in the refrigerator until ready to use.

Place the spinach in a large bowl with the snipped basil leaves and sliced red peppers and toss well.

Place the dressing in a small thick bottomed pot and cook for 5 minutes on medium - low heat and pour over the salad.

Toss quickly and season with black pepper.

Serve on warm plates.

Sprinkle with pine nuts and fresh Parmesan cheese.