fennel, shrimp and spinach salad

ingredients

3 slices center-cut bacon (optional)

1 pound jumbo shrimp, peeled and deveined

2 cups thinly sliced fennel bulb (about 1 medium bulb)

1 cup grape tomatoes, halved

1/2 cup thinly sliced red onion

1 (9-ounce) package fresh baby spinach

2 tablespoons finely chopped shallots

3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil

1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar

1 teaspoon dijon mustard

1/4 teaspoon salt

1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

directions

1. cook bacon in a skillet over medium heat until crisp. remove bacon from pan, reserving drippings, and crumble. add the shrimp to pan, and cook 2 minutes, turning once.
2. combine bacon, 2 cups fennel, grape tomatoes, red onion, and baby spinach in a bowl. combine the remaining ingredients in a small bowl, stirring with a whisk. add the shrimp and balsamic mixture to spinach mixture; toss well.