This is my favorite green salad and dressing. It was Recipe Contest winner in 2008.

Spring Mix Salad with Sweet Paprika Dressing

Salad:

½ stick salted butter
1 package ramen noodles, crushed (seasoning packet discarded)
1 cup coarsely chopped pecans
1 (16-ounce) package spring salad mix
½ cup dried Craisins
1 Granny Smith apple (unpeeled), cored and sliced

In a skillet over medium heat, melt half of butter, and sauté ramen noodles until lightly toasted. Remove to a paper towel. Add remaining butter, and sauté pecans. To serve, place greens on plates, sprinkle with Craisins, a few apple slices, and sprinkle with ramen noodles and pecans. Drizzle salad with Sweet Paprika Dressing.

Yield: 6 servings

Sweet Paprika Dressing:

2½ tablespoons cider vinegar
2½ tablespoons honey
⅓ cup sugar
½ teaspoon lemon juice
½ teaspoon paprika
½ teaspoon dry mustard
½ teaspoon celery seed
½ teaspoon dried or minced onion
½ cup vegetable oil

In a pint jar, stir together cider vinegar, honey, sugar, lemon juice, paprika, dry mustard, celery seed, and onion. Heat in microwave for 45 seconds. Remove, add oil, place lid on jar, and shake well. Refrigerate. When ready to serve, warm in the microwave for 45 seconds, and shake well. The more you shake, the thicker it will become.

Yield: ¾ cup

Sheila Moore, Utica