[SassyLeo]

Originally Posted by EzeeTiger

I guess it does absorb some of the other flavors.....and add a lot of crunch. I don't eat a lot of it but once in awhile in a salad like this it's pretty nice.

The crunch part I get... I'd rather just eat celery

You might like this... it is a nice side dish for roasted chicken

Spinach and White Bean Salad

Fresh spinach, 6oz
1 can white beans, cannellini 15oz
3 - 4 shallots
2 tsp olive oil
1 tbs white Balsamic vinegar
1 tsp Dijon mustard
1 tsp Herbes de Provence (or other spices you like/have)
3 tbs olive oil

Slice shallots and sauté in oil over medium heat until brown and crispy, 20 minutes. Do not let burn. Open, drain and rinse beans. Wash spinach and tear up if necessary. Put into a salad bowl. Whisk together vinegar, mustard and herbs. Slowly add olive oil, whisking constantly until vinaigrette is thick and creamy. Add about half to the spinach and toss well to coat. Add the remaining dressing to the beans and stir to combine. Arrange the beans on top of the spinach. Divide the shallots and sprinkle on top.

I also saute the spinach in fresh garlic and add crumbled bacon if I have it