Tossed Orange Spring Salad

Tear (don't cut) 1 small to medium head of romaine lettuce into salad pieces (enough for about 4 or 5 salads).

Add the following:

1 can well drained mandarin orange slices
1/2 to 3/4 cup Craisins (sweetened, dried cranberries)
1/2 cup slivered almonds
1/2 cup sliced celery
2 boiled eggs, chopped (opt.)

Make dressing the night before and toss with salad just before serving:

1/4 cup orange juice
1/4 cup lemon or lime juice
1/3 cup sugar
1/2 cup oil
1 tsp. salt
dash of mustard powder
dash black or red pepper
1 Tbs. dried, minced onion
2 tsp. sesame or caraway seeds

If you like, add a few grape tomatoes or cherry tomatoes (halved) as a garnish. You can also make this more of a main dish by adding chunks of grilled chicken.

Note: I tried this with fresh oranges, cut in chunks, and that worked as well or better than the canned ones. I also had some ham I needed to use up, so added some diced ham--yum! The ham was really good with the orange flavored dressing. I love avocado, and I think I'll try it with that next.