​Spring is here!

The robins are bathing in our bird bath, it seems a little chilly for that but they seem to be enjoying it! My tulips, poppies, daffodils, crocus and lilies are up, even my chives are tall enough to use, I hope that Mother nature doesn’t throw us a curve!  My daughter Mary and her family are coming for Easter, our son John and his family the weekend after Easter we are starting slow, so we still can practice social distancing, it has been a long year and I truly don’t think there will be a big change for most of the summer. We have both gotten both our vaccines so are feeling a little safer. Now on to the recipe, I always think strawberries feel like spring, hope you enjoy this one!
 
Strawberry Spinach Pasta Salad
 
8 oz. of penne noodles, or your pasta of choice, cooked according to package directions
2 cups packed fresh baby spinach leaves
1 cup sliced strawberries
1 cup pineapple chunks
1/4 cup dried cranberries, or dried blue berries
1/2 cup salted cashews
 
Orange poppy seed Dressing:
1/2 cup extra virgin olive oil
1/3 cup apple cider vinegar
1/4 cup plain Greek yogurt
1 tablespoon Dijon
3 Tablespoons honey
1/3 cup orange juice
2 tsp. poppy seeds
optional: pinch of salt and pepper
 
Combine all dressing ingredients in a jar, cover, shake well, set aside
Combine all salad ingredients in a large bowl and toss with the prepared dressing.
Serve immediately or cover and chill for 1 hour before serving!
 
Have a great week, Happy Easter and stay safe!