Citrus Mandarin Orange Salad with Honey Ginger Dressing
Ingredients:
- 6 cups mixed salad greens
- 1 can (15 oz) mandarin oranges, drained
- 1/2 cup sliced almonds
- 1/4 cup dried cranberries
- 1/4 cup crumbled feta cheese
- 1/4 cup red onion, thinly sliced
- For the dressing:
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 1 teaspoon grated ginger
- Salt and pepper to taste
Directions:
- In a large bowl, combine salad greens, mandarin oranges, almonds, cranberries, feta cheese, and red onion.
- In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, apple cider vinegar, honey, grated ginger, salt, and pepper.
- Drizzle dressing over salad and toss gently to combine.
- Serve immediately.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cooking Time: 0 minutes | Total Time: 10 minutes | Kcal: 220 kcal | Servings: 4 servings
FAQs:
- What is Mandarin Orange Salad? Mandarin Orange Salad is a refreshing and vibrant salad typically made with fresh spinach or mixed greens, mandarin orange segments, and often includes ingredients like sliced almonds, red onions, and a light vinaigrette dressing. It balances sweet citrus flavors with savory elements for a delightful combination.
- How do you make Mandarin Orange Salad? To make Mandarin Orange Salad, start with a base of fresh spinach or mixed greens. Add drained mandarin orange segments (fresh or canned), thinly sliced red onions, and sliced almonds for crunch. Toss the salad ingredients together gently. For the dressing, whisk together olive oil, vinegar (such as white wine vinegar or rice vinegar), a touch of honey or sugar, and season with salt and pepper to taste. Drizzle the dressing over the salad just before serving and toss to coat evenly.
- Can I add protein to Mandarin Orange Salad? Yes, you can add protein to Mandarin Orange Salad to make it more filling. Grilled chicken breast, shrimp, or tofu are popular choices that complement the flavors of the salad well. Simply grill or cook the protein of your choice separately and add it to the assembled salad just before serving.
- What are some variations of Mandarin Orange Salad? There are several variations of Mandarin Orange Salad you can try. You can add ingredients like crumbled feta cheese, avocado slices, or cucumber for additional texture and flavor. For a different twist, swap out the spinach for arugula or mixed greens. Some recipes also incorporate dried cranberries or pomegranate seeds for added sweetness and color.
- Is Mandarin Orange Salad suitable for meal prep? Yes, Mandarin Orange Salad is suitable for meal prep with a few considerations. Prepare the salad ingredients and dressing separately, keeping them refrigerated in airtight containers. When ready to serve, assemble the salad by combining the ingredients and dressing to maintain freshness and crispness. Avoid dressing the salad too far in advance to prevent wilting of the greens.