Description
Refreshing mandarin orange salad brings zesty citrus notes dancing across crisp greens with unexpected tang. Delightful Mediterranean-inspired blend promises cool summer comfort perfect for light lunch companions.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients:
- 6 cups mixed greens (spinach, arugula, or spring mix)
- 1 cup canned mandarin oranges, drained
- ½ cup red onion, thinly sliced
- ½ cup sliced almonds (toasted, optional)
Dried Ingredients:
- ¼ cup dried cranberries
- ¼ cup crumbled feta cheese
Dressing Ingredients:
- ¼ cup olive oil
- 2 tablespoons white wine vinegar or apple cider vinegar
- 1 tablespoon honey (or maple syrup for vegan)
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Craft a vibrant base by arranging a lush bed of mixed greens in a spacious serving vessel.
- Artfully scatter mandarin orange segments across the verdant landscape, creating bursts of citrusy color.
- Delicately sprinkle thinly sliced red onion rounds to introduce a sharp, aromatic dimension.
- Enhance the texture by generously dispersing toasted almond slivers, adding a delightful crunch.
- Distribute dried cranberries throughout the salad, introducing pockets of sweet-tart intensity.
- Crumble feta cheese over the composition, allowing its creamy, tangy essence to intermingle with the other ingredients.
- Prepare the dressing by vigorously whisking olive oil, vinegar, honey, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper in a compact mixing container until a smooth, harmonious emulsion forms.
- Gently cascade the dressing over the salad, using a light touch to ensure each ingredient receives a delicate coating.
- Tenderly toss the components, allowing the flavors to meld and the dressing to embrace every element.
- Present immediately to preserve the salad’s crisp texture and vibrant character.
Notes
- Swap feta for a dairy-free alternative like nutritional yeast or vegan cheese crumbles to make the salad vegan-friendly.
- Toast almonds carefully to enhance their nutty flavor without burning – watch them closely in a dry skillet over medium heat and stir frequently.
- Chill the mandarin oranges beforehand for a refreshing summer salad that feels extra crisp and cool.
- Customize the salad by adding grilled chicken or shrimp for a protein boost, making it a complete meal option for more substantial dining.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Appetizer, Snacks
- Method: Mixing
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 10 g
- Sodium: 150 mg
- Fat: 30 g
- Saturated Fat: 4 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 20 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 25 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 6 g
- Cholesterol: 15 mg