Mandarin Spinach Salad with Sesame-Garlic Topping

This Asian-inspired salad uses seasoned cereal to provide a new twist to croutons.

SESAME-GARLIC TOPPING
1 tablespoon peanut oil
1 tablespoon light soy sauce
2 teaspoons sesame seeds
1/4 teaspoon minced garlic
1/8 teaspoon ground ginger
1 cup rice squares cereal

DRESSING
1/4 cup fresh orange juice
1 tablespoon honey
1 teaspoon light soy sauce

SALAD
6 cups torn fresh spinach leaves
11-ounce can mandarin oranges in light syrup, drained
8-ounce can sliced water chestnuts, drained

In a large skillet, combine topping ingredients except cereal, stirring well. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat.

Add cereal and stir until coated. Reduce heat to medium and cook for 2 minutes, stirring constantly. Drain on paper towels; let cool.

Meanwhile, in a small bowl, whisk together dressing ingredients.

For salad, place one layer each of spinach, oranges, and water chestnuts in a large salad bowl. Pour dressing over salad and toss well.

Add cereal croutons and toss again. Serve immediately.

Excerpted from The New American Heart Association Cookbook by American Heart Association Copyright© 1999 by American Heart Association. Excerpted by permission of Times Books, a division of Random House, Inc. All rights reserved. No part of this excerpt may be reproduced or reprinted without permission in writing from the publisher.