Delicious Spinach Mandarin Orange Salad Recipe: A Perfect Blend of Flavors

Looking for a fresh, healthy, and flavorful salad? The Spinach Mandarin Orange Salad is a delightful choice that combines the vibrant colors and tastes of spinach, mandarin oranges, and other delicious ingredients. Perfect for any meal, this salad is both easy to prepare and visually appealing. Let's dive into the recipe:

Ingredients:

For the Salad:

  • 6 cups fresh baby spinach leaves, washed and dried
  • 1 can (11 ounces) mandarin orange segments, drained
  • 1/2 cup red onion, thinly sliced
  • 1/2 cup sliced almonds, toasted
  • 1/4 cup dried cranberries or cherries
  • 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese (optional)
  • 1 avocado, sliced (optional)

spinach mandarin orange salad recipe

For the Dressing:

  • 1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil
  • 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
  • 1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup
  • 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Dressing:

  • In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, apple cider vinegar, honey (or maple syrup), Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper until well combined. Set aside.

2. Toast the Almonds:

  • In a small skillet over medium heat, toast the sliced almonds until golden brown, stirring frequently to prevent burning. This should take about 3-5 minutes. Once toasted, remove from heat and let cool.

3. Assemble the Salad:

  • In a large salad bowl, combine the baby spinach leaves, mandarin orange segments, thinly sliced red onion, dried cranberries or cherries, and toasted almonds.

spinach mandarin orange salad recipe

  • If using, add the crumbled feta cheese and avocado slices to the salad.

4. Dress the Salad:

  • Drizzle the prepared dressing over the salad ingredients. Gently toss to ensure all the components are evenly coated with the dressing.

5. Serve:

  • Serve the salad immediately. This Spinach Mandarin Orange Salad is perfect as a side dish or a light main course.

Tips for the Best Spinach Mandarin Orange Salad:

  1. Freshness is Key: Use the freshest spinach leaves and ripe mandarin oranges for the best flavor.
  2. Customize Your Salad: Feel free to add other ingredients like grilled chicken, shrimp, or even quinoa to make it a more substantial meal.
  3. Balance the Flavors: The sweetness of the mandarin oranges and dried cranberries, the creaminess of the avocado, and the tanginess of the dressing create a well-balanced flavor profile.
  4. Prepare Ahead: You can make the dressing ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator. Assemble the salad just before serving to keep the ingredients fresh and crisp.

Conclusion:

The Spinach Mandarin Orange Salad is a delightful and refreshing dish that can be enjoyed at any time. With its vibrant colors, diverse textures, and balanced flavors, this salad is sure to be a hit at your next meal. Try this recipe today and savor the delicious combination of spinach and mandarin oranges!




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