Description
Mandarin orange salad combines crisp greens with sweet citrus segments and a zesty Asian-inspired dressing. Local ingredients elevate this refreshing dish perfect for summer gatherings when you crave something light and flavorful.
Ingredients
Scale
- 6 cups mixed greens (spinach, arugula, or spring mix)
- 1 cup mandarin oranges (canned, drained)
- ½ cup red onion (thinly sliced)
- ½ cup almonds (sliced, toasted optional)
- ¼ cup cranberries (dried)
- ¼ cup feta cheese (crumbled)
- ¼ cup olive oil
- 2 tbsps white wine vinegar or apple cider vinegar
- 1 tbsp honey (or maple syrup for vegan)
- 1 tsp Dijon mustard
- Salt (to taste)
- Black pepper (to taste)
Instructions
- Greens Preparation: Layer mixed greens generously in a large serving bowl, creating a lush, verdant foundation for the salad.
- Citrus Integration: Distribute mandarin orange segments evenly across the greens, ensuring vibrant bursts of color and bright flavor throughout the dish.
- Flavor Layering: Sprinkle red onion slices and toasted almond slivers across the salad, introducing complementary textures and sharp aromatic notes.
- Sweet-Tart Accent: Scatter dried cranberries and crumbled feta cheese over the surface, adding depth and complex flavor dimensions.
- Dressing Creation: Whisk olive oil, vinegar, honey, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper in a small bowl until a smooth, well-integrated vinaigrette emerges.
- Final Assembly: Drizzle dressing delicately over the salad, gently tossing to ensure each ingredient is lightly coated and flavors are harmoniously blended.
- Serving: Present immediately to maintain crisp textures and maximize the salad’s refreshing qualities.
Notes
- Maximize Freshness: Serve the salad immediately after dressing to maintain crisp greens and prevent wilting.
- Balance Flavor Layers: Slice red onions thinly to prevent overpowering the delicate mandarin orange sweetness.
- Customize Texture: Toast almonds slightly before adding to enhance their nutty flavor and provide maximum crunch.
- Dietary Adaptation: Swap feta with dairy-free alternatives like cashew cheese for vegan preferences or use goat cheese for lower lactose options.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Appetizer, Snacks
- Method: Mixing
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 3
- Calories: 210
- Sugar: 10 g
- Sodium: 150 mg
- Fat: 17 g
- Saturated Fat: 2 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 18 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 4 g
- Cholesterol: 5 mg