Recipe: Strawberry Shrimp Salad with Strawberry-Basil Dressing (blender or food processor)

STRAWBERRY SHRIMP SALAD

FOR THE DRESSING:
1 cup chopped fresh strawberries
2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
3 teaspoons chopped fresh basil or 1 teaspoon dried basil
1/2 teaspoon sugar
Pepper, to taste
FOR THE SALAD:
1 cup fresh pea pods
1 pound fresh large shrimp, shelled and deveined
1/2 teaspoon lemon-pepper seasoning
2 cups torn spinach leaves
2 cups torn red-leaf lettuce
1 cup sliced fresh mushrooms
1 (11-ounce) can mandarin oranges, drained
1/4 cup walnuts, toasted
1/3 cup crumbled blue cheese
Whole strawberries (optional, for garnish)

TO PREPARE THE DRESSING:
Place chopped strawberries, vinegar, basil, sugar and pepper in blender or food processor. Cover and blend on high about 20 seconds, or until smooth. Set dressing aside.

TO PREPARE THE SALAD:
In saucepan, cook pea pods in 2 cups boiling water for 2-3 minutes, or until crisp-tender. Drain and set aside to cool.

Sprinkle shrimp with lemon-pepper seasoning. Saute 3-4 minutes in skillet coated with cooking spray; turn frequently until shrimp turn pink.

Toss spinach, lettuce, mushrooms, oranges and pea pods in large bowl. Divide mixture among 4 dinner plates. Top with shrimp. Drizzle dressing over salad, and sprinkle with walnuts and blue cheese. Garnish with whole strawberries, if desired.

Servings: 4
Source: Delicious Salad Meals by Dot Vartan