Spinach Mandarin Salad

Nothing beats the refreshing crunch of a salad, especially when it’s a Spinach Mandarin Salad. I first stumbled upon this delightful combination at a spring picnic a few years ago. The sun was shining, the birds were chirping, and this salad was the star of the show. The vibrant colors and the sweet, tangy flavors just took me to another level of joy. I remember taking that first bite, and it was like a burst of sunshine in my mouth!

As I sat there, surrounded by friends and laughter, I realized how perfect this dish was for any occasion. Whether it’s a brunch gathering, a light lunch, or simply a refreshing dinner side, this Spinach Mandarin Salad has a way of bringing people together. The combination of fresh baby spinach, juicy mandarin oranges, and a heavenly homemade dressing just makes everything better. Trust me, once you try it, you’ll be making it time and time again!

Key Ingredients for Spinach Mandarin Salad

When it comes to the Spinach Mandarin Salad, the ingredients are simple yet effective. They come together to create a dish that’s not only vibrant but also bursting with flavor. Each ingredient plays a vital role in this colorful masterpiece.

• 10 oz baby spinach: The base of the salad, providing essential nutrients and a mild flavor.
• 1 can mandarin oranges (approx. 15 oz), drained: These add sweetness and a juicy burst to each bite.
• 1/4 cup red onion, thinly sliced: For a bit of crunch and sharpness, enhancing the salad’s overall flavor.
• 1/2 cup goat cheese crumbles: Creamy and tangy, this cheese adds richness to the salad.
• 1/2 cup sliced almonds: Toasted for crunch and nutty flavor that complements the sweetness.
• 1/2 cup dried cranberries: For a chewy texture and additional sweetness.
• 1/2 cup olive oil: The base of the dressing, offering healthy fats.
• 1/4 cup balsamic vinegar: For tanginess that balances out the sweetness of the mandarins and cranberries.
• 1-2 tbsp honey: Added sweetness, enhancing flavors in the dressing.
• 2 tsp Dijon mustard: For a touch of depth and spice in the dressing.
• Sea salt and pepper: To taste, elevating all the flavors together.

Directions for Spinach Mandarin Salad

Making a Spinach Mandarin Salad is a straightforward process that anyone can master. Follow these steps, and you’ll have a fresh and vibrant salad ready to impress.

1. First, preheat your oven to 350°F. This is important if you want to toast the almonds to bring out their flavor. Spread them out on a baking sheet, ensuring they’re in a single layer. Toast for about 4 to 6 minutes, keeping an eye on them to ensure they don’t burn. When they’re golden and fragrant, they’re ready.

2. While the almonds are toasting, prepare the salad. In a large mixing bowl, combine the baby spinach, drained mandarin oranges, and thinly sliced red onion. This colorful combination not only looks beautiful but also offers a range of flavors and textures.

3. Next, you’ll want to create the dressing. In a separate small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, balsamic vinegar, honey, and Dijon mustard. Make sure to whisk well until the mixture is smooth and well combined. Taste the dressing and adjust the salt and pepper as necessary. If it’s too thick, you can add a small amount of water to thin it out.

4. Once the almonds are toasted and cooled, add them to the salad bowl along with the dried cranberries and goat cheese crumbles. The combination of textures will create a delightful experience with every bite.

5. Now, drizzle the dressing over the salad. Start with a little, as it’s easier to add more than to take away. Gently toss the salad to ensure everything is evenly coated with the dressing. Be careful not to over-toss, as you don’t want to break the mandarin oranges or the goat cheese.

6. Finally, serve the salad immediately for the best flavor and texture. If you’re preparing it in advance, wait to add the dressing until just before serving. This will keep the spinach crisp and fresh, and the flavors at their peak.

Helpful Notes about Spinach Mandarin Salad

Here are some helpful notes to consider when making your Spinach Mandarin Salad. These tips will ensure you get the best results every time you prepare this dish.

• Storage: Store any leftover salad in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days to maintain freshness.
• Freezing: This salad is best enjoyed fresh. Freezing is not recommended as it may alter the texture of the ingredients.
• Pairing: This salad pairs wonderfully with grilled chicken or fish for a complete meal.
• Substitutions: You can swap the goat cheese for feta or omit it entirely for a vegan version.
• Serving suggestion: Serve with a slice of crusty bread or a light soup for a delightful lunch.
• Variations: Add other fruits like apples or berries for added flavor and variety.

What to Serve With Spinach Mandarin Salad

When it comes to serving the Spinach Mandarin Salad, there are plenty of delicious options to consider. Here’s a list of ideas to elevate your meal:

• Grilled Chicken: This salad makes a perfect side for grilled chicken, providing a healthy and colorful companion.
• Fish Dishes: Serve with baked salmon or tilapia for a light and satisfying meal.
• Quinoa or Rice: For a more complete dish, pair with a side of quinoa or rice. The nutty flavor complements the salad perfectly.
• Soup: A light soup, such as tomato basil or a vegetable broth, can round out your meal beautifully.
• Brunch Events: This salad is a great addition to brunch spreads, paired with eggs and pastries.
• Picnics: Pack it for a picnic, as it holds up well and is refreshing on a warm day.
• Seasonal Fruits: Consider adding seasonal fruits to the salad to enhance its freshness and appeal.

FAQ

Conclusion

The Spinach Mandarin Salad is a delightful combination of flavors and textures, making it a must-try recipe. With its vibrant ingredients and easy preparation, it’s perfect for any occasion. I encourage you to whip this up the next time you’re looking for a refreshing and nutritious dish to share with friends and family.

Spinach Mandarin Salad

Craving a refreshing salad? This Spinach Mandarin Salad is bursting with vibrant flavors and textures. Fresh spinach, sweet mandarin oranges, and a tangy honey balsamic dressing make it a perfect light meal or side. Enjoy this easy weeknight recipe tonight!

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 7 minutes mins

Total Time 17 minutes mins

Course Salads

Cuisine American

Servings 4 servings

Calories 320 kcal

Equipment

• Chef's Knife
• Oven
• Whisk
• Peeler

Ingredients

  

• 10 oz baby spinach
• 1 can mandarin oranges (approx. 15 oz), drained
• 1/4 cup red onion thinly sliced
• 1/2 cup goat cheese crumbles
• 1/2 cup sliced almonds
• 1/2 cup dried cranberries
• 1/2 cup olive oil
• 1/4 cup balsamic vinegar
• 1-2 tbsp honey
• 2 tsp Dijon mustard
• Sea salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

 

• Preheat your oven to 350°F. Place almonds on a baking sheet and toast for about 4-6 minutes or until fragrant.
• Combine all salad ingredients in a medium bowl, mixing the baby spinach, drained mandarin oranges, and red onion together.
• In a separate bowl, whisk together olive oil, balsamic vinegar, honey, and Dijon mustard until smooth. Adjust salt and pepper to taste.
• Add the toasted almonds, dried cranberries, and goat cheese to the salad bowl.
• Drizzle the dressing over the salad and gently toss to combine.
• Serve immediately, or wait to add dressing until just before serving if preparing in advance.

Notes

• Tip 1: For best results, wait to add dressing until just before serving.
• Tip 2: If you prepare this salad in advance, don’t toss in the dressing until about 15-20 minutes before serving.
• Tip 3: There is no need to remove the baby spinach stems, but you can if desired.
• Tip 4: Store your salad for up to 3-4 days.
• Tip 5: This salad is best eaten within the first two days for optimal freshness.

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Meet Camila Rivera

I’m Camila, and I believe the very best meals are the ones that bring the whole family together. My passion is taking classic, beloved dishes and adding a spicy or zesty twist to wake up your palate. I have cooked, tweaked, and taste-tested this recipe right here in my own home kitchen to ensure it works perfectly for you. I hope you enjoy every single bite let me know how it turns out!