spinach mandarin orange salad recipe

Written ByJenny Smyth Posted on
spinach mandarin orange salad recipe
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The Best spinach mandarin orange salad recipe

I’m so excited to share this delicious spinach mandarin orange salad recipe with you. I’ve been making this salad for years, and it’s always a hit with my family. The combination of fresh spinach, juicy mandarin oranges, and crunchy almonds is a perfect blend of flavors and textures.

Plus, it’s incredibly easy to make and can be customized to suit your taste preferences. I love serving this salad as a side dish for family gatherings, potlucks, or even as a light lunch. The best part?

It’s packed with nutrients from the spinach and oranges, making it a healthy choice for any occasion. This salad has its roots in Mediterranean cuisine, where citrus fruits like oranges and lemons are commonly used in salads and dressings. The original recipe I based mine on came from a friend who visited Greece and fell in love with the local flavors.

I adapted it to include spinach, which adds a nice depth of flavor and texture. If you’re new to cooking with spinach, don’t worry – it’s incredibly easy to work with and can be added to salads at the last minute. One of the key techniques in making this salad is the way you prepare the spinach.

Simply chop it up into bite-sized pieces and massage it gently with your hands to remove excess moisture. This will help the spinach hold its texture without becoming soggy or wilted. You can also use baby spinach leaves for an even more delicate flavor.

Spinach Mandarin Orange Salad with Poppy Seed Dressing

Spinach Mandarin Orange Salad with Poppy Seed Dressing

4.7 from 1164 votes

This vibrant salad combines fresh baby spinach with sweet mandarin oranges, crunchy almonds, and red onion, all tossed in a tangy homemade poppy seed dressing. It is a refreshing side dish that pairs well with grilled chicken or fish and comes together in minutes.

Prep Time15 mins
Cook Time15 mins
Resting Time0 mins
Total Time15 mins
Servings: 4Cuisine: InternationalCalories: 220 kcal

🥘Ingredients

For the Salad

6 cups fresh baby spinach, washed and dried
2 (11 oz) cans mandarin orange segments, drained
1/2 small red onion, thinly sliced
1/3 cup sliced almonds, toasted
1/4 cup dried cranberries (optional)

For the Poppy Seed Dressing

1/4 cup olive oil
2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
1 tablespoon honey
1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
1/2 teaspoon poppy seeds
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/8 teaspoon black pepper

👨‍🍳Directions

1Place the baby spinach in a large salad bowl.
2Add the drained mandarin orange segments, thinly sliced red onion, toasted almonds, and dried cranberries if using.
3Toss gently to combine the ingredients without bruising the spinach.
4In a small bowl or a jar with a tight-fitting lid, combine the olive oil, apple cider vinegar, honey, Dijon mustard, poppy seeds, salt, and black pepper.
5Whisk vigorously or shake the jar until the dressing is well emulsified and smooth.
6Just before serving, drizzle the dressing over the salad.
7Toss the salad again to coat all the ingredients evenly with the dressing.
8Serve immediately for the best texture and flavor.

🔧Equipment

Large salad bowl
Small bowl or jar with lid
Whisk or fork
Chef’s knife
Cutting board
Measuring cups and spoons
Skillet for toasting almonds (optional)

📊Nutrition Facts (per serving)

🔥Calories: 220 kcal🧈Total Fat: 16g💛Saturated Fat: 2g❤️Cholesterol: 0mg🧂Sodium: 180mg🌾Total Carbs: 18g🥦Dietary Fiber: 3g🍬Sugars: 12g🥩Protein: 4g

📝Notes

For extra protein, add grilled chicken or shrimp. To toast almonds, place them in a dry skillet over medium heat for 3 to 5 minutes, stirring frequently until fragrant and lightly golden. You can substitute fresh orange segments for canned mandarins when in season.

Watch Video Of How Spinach Mandarin Orange Salad with Poppy Seed Dressing Works

This spinach mandarin orange salad recipe is always a good idea for any occasion – whether it’s a family gathering or a quick weeknight dinner. One of my favorite things about this recipe is how versatile it is – you can easily customize it to suit your taste preferences by adding different nuts or seeds or even swapping out ingredients for other seasonal fruits.

When storing leftovers, be sure to keep them refrigerated at 40°F (4°C) or below within two hours of preparation. For reheating purposes only – not serving cold – simply microwave individual portions on high for 20-30 seconds until warmed through.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions About Spinach Mandarin Orange Salad with Poppy Seed Dressing

Q: What type of oranges should I use?

A: For this recipe, you’ll want to use mandarin oranges that are sweet and juicy. You can find them at most grocery stores or farmers’ markets during peak season.

Q: Can I substitute other types of citrus fruits?

A: While you can use other types of citrus fruits like lemons or limes, they won’t have the same sweetness as mandarin oranges. If you want to try using other citrus fruits, keep in mind that they may change the flavor profile of your salad.

Q: How do I prevent the spinach from wilting?

A: To prevent the spinach from wilting, make sure to handle it gently when adding it to your salad. You can also add a small amount of acidity like lemon juice or vinegar to help preserve its texture.

Q: Can I make this salad ahead of time?

A: While you can prepare some components of this salad ahead of time, such as chopping the almonds or making the dressing, it’s best to assemble the entire salad just before serving.

Q: Is this salad suitable for vegetarians?

A: Yes, this salad is suitable for vegetarians as long as you choose vegetarian-friendly ingredients like vegan dressing.

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