Blushing Pink Bowtie Salad

Look at you.... you're just so pretty in pink. And did I mention how delicious you look? Why are you blushing? Don't be modest... enjoy the praise because you earned it.

This salad recipe is light, healthy and delicious! It's the perfect answer to a hot, muggy day when the thought of turning on the oven or cooking over a hot grill makes you cringe. If you are looking for something fresh and simple. Then this salad will take you over the top with its textures and flavors.

Ingredients:
8 ounce mini-bowtie pasta
6-8 strips of bacon, cooked and crumbled (I used turkey bacon)
baby spinach leaves - stems removed, washed, and torn
romaine lettuce, cleaned and cut in bite size pieces
mozzarella cheese (julienne into 1-inch strips)
Fresh strawberries, cut into bite-size chunks

Ingredients for Dressing:
2/3 cup sugar
1 teaspoon dry mustard
1/3 cup red wine vinegar
1-2 tablespoons sweet onion (Vidalia or Maui)
1 cup canola oil
1 to 1-1/2 tablespoons poppy seeds

Directions:
1. Boil pasta as directed. Rinse under cold water and set aside.

2. Prepare lettuce. Fry bacon until crisp, drain and crumble.

3. Clean and cut strawberries, then set them on a paper towel to drain.

4. Julienne mozzarella cheese.

5. Combine dressing ingredients (except poppy seeds) in blender jar. Give it enough time to completely pulverize the onion and turn a pretty pink color. Remove to a separate container. Add poppy seed just before serving, stirring well.

6. Combine lettuce, spinach, and pasta, tossing until combined. Add just enough dressing to coat. Add strawberries, bacon and mozzarella last, stirring carefully to prevent breaking them apart.

7. Serve with additional dressing on the side. Store remains in the refrigerator.

Vous étiez tout et plus encore ma douce jolie. Et c'est le coup de la première bouchée.

Recipe adapted from Changeabletable.