Mandarin Orange Spinach Salad
Brighten up your table with the refreshing and nutrient-packed Mandarin Orange Spinach Salad, a perfect balance of sweet, tangy, and savory flavors. This vibrant dish combines tender baby spinach, juicy mandarin orange segments, and a touch of crunch from toasted sliced almonds. Thinly sliced red onion adds a subtle sharpness, while optional feta cheese offers creamy depth. The star of this recipe is the homemade vinaigrette—a delightful blend of olive oil, apple cider vinegar, honey, and Dijon mustard—that ties all the flavors together beautifully. Ready in just 15 minutes and ideal as a light lunch or colorful side dish, this quick and easy salad is a go-to for anyone craving a burst of freshness. Try it today and enjoy a healthy, delicious option that's sure to impress!
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Ingredients
- 6 cups baby spinach
- 1 cup mandarin orange segments (canned or fresh)
- 0.25 cup red onion
- 0.5 cup sliced almonds (toasted)
- 0.5 cup feta cheese (optional)
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 0.25 teaspoon salt
- 0.25 teaspoon black pepper
Directions
Step 1
Wash and thoroughly dry the baby spinach. Place it into a large salad bowl.
Step 2
Drain the mandarin orange segments if canned, or peel and segment fresh mandarins, and add them to the spinach.
Step 3
Thinly slice the red onion. You’ll need about 1/4 cup. Add the onion slices to the salad bowl.
Step 4
In a small dry skillet over medium heat, toast the sliced almonds until they are golden and fragrant, about 3-4 minutes. Stir frequently to avoid burning. Let cool slightly, then sprinkle them over the salad.
Step 5
If using, crumble feta cheese and add it to the salad for extra creaminess and flavor.
Step 6
To prepare the vinaigrette, combine olive oil, apple cider vinegar, honey, Dijon mustard, salt, and black pepper in a small bowl or mason jar. Whisk or shake well to emulsify the ingredients.
Step 7
Drizzle the vinaigrette over the salad just before serving, and gently toss everything together to coat evenly.
Step 8
Serve immediately and enjoy this fresh, tangy, and vibrant salad!
Nutrition Facts
| Serving size | 732.8 grams (732.8g) |
|---|
| Amount per serving | % Daily Value* |
|---|---|
| Calories | 1298 |
| Total Fat 98.90g | 127% |
| Saturated Fat 26.50g | 133% |
| Polyunsaturated Fat 4.00g | |
| Cholesterol 107mg | 36% |
| Sodium 2214mg | 96% |
| Total Carbohydrate 75.30g | 27% |
| Dietary Fiber 13.30g | 48% |
| Total Sugars 46.90g | |
| Protein 35.00g | 70% |
| Vitamin D 0IU | 0% |
| Calcium 969mg | 75% |
| Iron 10mg | 53% |
| Potassium 800mg | 17% |
Source of Calories