Gingered Chicken & Spinach Salad

My daughter has been BEGGING me for a week now to make Spinach Artichoke Dip. So when I was at SAM's Club the other day, I decided to buy some spinach.  I just bought one of their big tubs of fresh baby spinach. That is A LOT of Popeye food!  So, on my way home I was thinking of ways I could use the spinach so it wouldn't end up as chicken feed.  This salad immediately popped in my mind.  I once had a recipe for it but it has been misplace over the years.  But for some odd reason, I remember the ingredients.  I think I've only made it 3 or 4 times in the last 10 years or so, but every time I have made it, it is a hit!  The ginger gives it that little "Thai" kick and I just love poppy-seed dressing.  I have had a bunch of emails from people that are starting Weight Watchers and are looking for some healthier recipes.  This would be one!  It doesn't require much dressing because the flavors are distinct with just a little amount.  Measuring this out, it should be around 8 servings.  But with all the veggies, how can you go wrong?

Gingered Chicken & Spinach Salad

From Cupboard to Cupboard

printable recipe

Dressing:

3/4 cup creamy poppy seed dressing {I like Briannas Brand}

2 garlic cloves, pressed

1/2-1 tsp crushed ginger {I buy this in a small jar by the fresh produce}

Salad:

1 bag (6-10 oz) fresh baby spinach leaves

1 bag of broccoli slaw mix

1 cucumber, seeded and sliced (I didn't have one on hand)

Chicken Mixture:

1 lb boneless, skinless, chicken breasts cut into bitesize pieces

1 tsp dried basil leaves

1/4 cup salted peanuts, chopped

For dressing: combine ingredients, whisk together, and set aside. 

For salad:  place spinach, slaw mix, {cucumber} in large serving bowl and refrigerate until ready to serve.

For chicken: heat your skillet over medium-high heat.  Spray your skillet with non-stick spray.  Add chicken to hot skillet and stir fry until chicken is no longer pink.  Add basil.  Take off heat, stir in peanuts and toss with 1/4 cup of the dressing.

When ready to serve, toss the greens with the remaining dressing or serve dressing to the side.  Toss chicken with salad. 

Happy Cooking,

Teauna