Recipe: Mandarin Spinach Salad with Sesame-Garlic Topping

MANDARIN SPINACH SALAD
WITH SESAME-GARLIC TOPPING

"This Asian-inspired salad uses seasoned cereal to provide a new twist to croutons."

FOR THE SESAME-GARLIC TOPPING:
1 tablespoon peanut oil
1 tablespoon light soy sauce
2 teaspoons sesame seeds
1/4 teaspoon minced garlic
1/8 teaspoon ground ginger
1 cup rice squares cereal
FOR THE DRESSING:
1/4 cup fresh orange juice
1 tablespoon honey
1 teaspoon light soy sauce
FOR THE SALAD:
6 cups torn fresh spinach leaves
1 (11-ounce) can mandarin oranges in light syrup, drained
1 (8-ounce) can sliced water chestnuts, drained

In a large skillet, combine topping ingredients except cereal, stirring well. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat.

Add cereal and stir until coated. Reduce heat to medium and cook for 2 minutes, stirring constantly. Drain on paper towels; let cool.

Meanwhile, in a small bowl, whisk together dressing ingredients.

TO MAKE THE SALAD:
Place one layer each of spinach, oranges, and water chestnuts in a large salad bowl. Pour dressing over salad and toss well.

Add cereal croutons and toss again. Serve immediately.

Serves 4
From the Hardcover edition.
Excerpted from The New American Heart Association Cookbook by American Heart Association
Excerpted by permission of Clarkson Potter, a division of Random House, Inc. All rights reserved. No part of this excerpt may be reproduced or reprinted without permission in writing from the publisher.