Spinach and Pear Salad with Marinated Flank Steak

Well, we all seemed to survive this round of snow and ice.  Just a bit left to melt, but the sun is out so it shouldn't be long.

Last night I was craving a salad, something a little healthier than the snacks we'd been eating while stuck indoors!  I remembered this recipe that a girlfriend gave me years back for Spinach and Pear Salad and decided to pair it with Flank steak.

Salad:

1 lb fresh spinach, washed and trimmed ( I used organic baby spinach)

2 pears, sliced

1/2 C sugared dates, chopped

3/4 C pecans, chopped

Dressing:

1/4 C fresh orange juice

1/4 C wine vinegar (we used white)

1/2 cup salad oil (we used Canola)

1 TBS brown sugar

1 tsp garlic salt

1/2 tsp curry powder

Salt & Pepper to taste

Mix all ingredients in jar and refrigerate.  May be prepared 2 days ahead.

Combine spinah, pears, dates & pecans in large bowl.  Toss with dressing.  Add salt and pepper to taste.

As I mentioned we served it with sliced flank steak.  I doubled the dressing recipe and used half for a marinade for the steak. It turned out perfectly, nice and juicy, and the flavor complimented the salad since I had used the same dressing.

This dish would be good with chicken and shrimp as well.

Hope you all have a wonderful weekend!  Happy Valentine's Day!!!