Recipe: Spinach and Dates Salad

Serves 6 to 8 | Prep Time 1/2 hour | Cooking time: 10 minutes

Ingredients

• 2 dates, pitted, plus ¾ cup chopped dates
• 1 teaspoon finely grated lime zest
• ¼ cup lime juice
• ⅔ cup vegetable oil, divided
• Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
• 4 large shallots, thinly sliced
• 1 bunch flat-leaf spinach, trimmed

Instructions

1. Blend whole dates, lime zest, lime juice, and ⅓ cup oil in a blender until smooth; season with salt and pepper.
2. Heat remaining ⅓ cup oil in a medium saucepan over medium-high heat and cook shallots, stirring often, until golden brown and crisp, 5–7 minutes; drain on paper towels and season with salt.
3. Toss spinach and chopped dates with dressing. Top with fried shallots.