SPINACH SALAD WITH BACON, DATES AND FETA DRESSING

For the feta dressing:

1/3 cup feta cheese, crumbled (about 2 ounces)

1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice

2-1/2 tablespoons water

1 tablespoon mayonnaise

2 tablespoons olive oil

For the salad:

3 slices bacon, chopped

1 bunch fresh spinach (about ¾ pound), stems discarded and leaves washed well, spun dry and torn into bite-sized pieces

½ medium red onion, sliced thin

1/3 cup pitted dates, chopped

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1. Make the feta dressing: In a blender blend together feta, lemon juice, water and mayonnaise until smooth.  With motor running add oil and blend until emulsified.

2. In a small skillet cook bacon over moderate heat, stirring, until crisp and transfer with a slotted spoon to paper towels to drain.

3. In a large bowl toss together spinach, bacon, onion and dates with feta dressing.

 

from Gourmet Magazine, October, 1994