Spinach Salad with Warm Maple Dressing

http://www.eatingwell.com/recipes/spinach_salad_with_warm_maple_dressing.html

From EatingWell:  January/February 1999, The Essential EatingWell Cookbook (2004)

Pure maple syrup, as opposed to artificially flavored and colored "pancake" syrup, is an extraordinary cooking ingredient. Here it adds body as well as rich flavor to the dressing, providing a perfect counterpoint to the smoked cheese.

4 servings, about 2 cups each | Active Time: 20 minutes | Total Time: 20 minutes

Ingredients

• 2 tablespoons chopped pecans
• 1 10-ounce package fresh spinach, torn, or 12 cups baby spinach
• 1 cucumber, peeled, seeded and cut into 1/4-inch slices
• 2 teaspoons extra-virgin olive oil
• 1 shallot, finely chopped
• 1/4 cup cider vinegar
• 2 tablespoons pure maple syrup
• Salt & freshly ground pepper, to taste
• 1/4 cup shredded smoked cheese, such as Gouda or Cheddar

Preparation

1. Toast pecans in a small dry skillet over low heat, stirring often, until fragrant, 2 to 3 minutes. Transfer to a small bowl and let cool.
2. Toss spinach and cucumber in a salad bowl.
3. Heat oil in a small skillet over medium-low heat. Add shallot and cook, stirring, until softened, about 4 minutes. Add vinegar and maple syrup and bring to a boil. Season with salt and pepper.
4. Immediately pour the dressing over the spinach and cucumber. Toss well and sprinkle with cheese and toasted pecans.

Nutrition

Per serving : 163 Calories; 12 g Fat; 2 g Sat; 7 g Mono; 7 mg Cholesterol; 12 g Carbohydrates; 4 g Protein; 2 g Fiber; 183 mg Sodium; 531 mg Potassium

1 Carbohydrate Serving

Exchanges: 1/2 other carbohydrate, 1 vegetable, 1 1/2 fat