SMALL SALAD SPINNER RECIPES

Steps:

• Preheat oven to 375 degrees F.
• Slice each pecan half into three lengthwise pieces. Mix together the cinnamon and brown sugar. Toss pecans with melted butter, then with the cinnamon/sugar mixture, tossing well to ensure a thorough coating. Put the nuts on a parchment-lined baking sheet and bake for 5 to 8 minutes, until sugar is caramelized. Remove the baking sheet from the oven, slide the parchment together with the nuts off the sheet to cool, and set aside.
• Whisk together the vinaigrette ingredients.
• Chop the lettuces into smallish bite-sized pieces; use a salad spinner to wash and dry them. Slice the green onion.
• Break the angel hair into small, 2 inch pieces. Cook until al dente. Heat oil in a skillet, and fry drained pasta until crispy. Drain on paper towel and cool.
• Place the chopped lettuce in a large serving bowl (one large enough to toss the salad in). Add the vinaigrette and toss thoroughly to coat. Sprinkle with the chopped onion. Break the cooled pecan slices apart and sprinkle them over the salad.

Steps:

• In a small bowl or measuring cup, combine the garlic and rice vinegar, and set aside to mellow out.
• Meanwhile, trim the root end off the romaine heart and chop lettuce crosswise into bite-size pieces. Add the romaine, arugula and parsley to a large bowl or salad spinner. Fill with cold water, swish the greens, then lift the spinner basket (or lift the greens out and transfer to a colander in the sink) and drain the water. Repeat 2 to 3 more times, or until the water runs clear and no grit remains. Spin-dry the greens or dry them very well by laying them out on a large kitchen towel, folding the towel in half and gently patting down to remove moisture. Rinse and dry the large bowl, and return the greens to the bowl, cover with the damp kitchen towel and refrigerate until cold, at least 30 minutes. (Greens washed, dried and covered this way can be refrigerated for up to 24 hours.)
• When you’re ready to serve, finish the vinaigrette: To the garlic and vinegar, add the olive oil, dill, fish sauce, sugar and 1 tablespoon cold water, and season generously with salt and pepper. Whisk until well combined.
• Add a couple of tablespoons of the vinaigrette to the salad greens, and toss, adding more as needed to evenly coat. The salad should be lightly dressed, not drowned. Taste for seasoning, adjusting with more salt and pepper as desired.