Spinach Salad with Mandarin Oranges

A spinach salad with mandarin orange segments is iconic for a reason. Each ingredient plays its part in creating a dish that feels both elegant and comfortingly familiar. The tender spinach and crisp romaine serve as the perfect canvas for the succulent mandarin oranges, while the caramelized almonds add a sweet crunch that’s impossible to resist. Drizzled with a tangy, herb-flecked dressing, this salad hits all the right notes. It’s the sort of recipe that seduces you with its simplicity yet delivers a taste so satisfying you’ll find yourself reaching for it again and again.

Ingredients for Spinach Salad with Mandarin Oranges

• Vegetable oil: This serves as the base of the dressing, helping to evenly distribute the flavors across the salad.
• Sugar: A touch of sugar balances the acidity of the vinegar and adds a subtle sweetness to the dressing.
• White vinegar: This provides the necessary acidity to the dressing, giving the salad a bright, tangy flavor.
• Minced fresh parsley: Fresh parsley adds a burst of herbaceous flavor and a vibrant green color to the dressing.
• Salt: A bit of salt enhances all the flavors in the dressing and helps to bring out the natural sweetness of the mandarin oranges.
• Slivered almonds: These add a satisfying crunch to the salad, and when they’re coated in sugar, they provide a sweet, caramelized note.
• Romaine: This leafy green adds a crisp texture and a mild, slightly bitter flavor to this spinach and mandarin orange salad.
• Fresh spinach: Fresh spinach contributes a tender, slightly earthy taste that complements the other greens in the salad.
• Sliced celery: Celery introduces a refreshing crunch and a subtle, peppery flavor to the mix.
• Sliced green onion: Green onions add a mild, zesty bite, enhancing the overall flavor profile of the salad.
• Mandarin oranges: These sweet, juicy segments provide a burst of citrus flavor and a bright pop of color.

Directions

Step 1: Prepare the dressing

In a jar with a tight-fitting lid, combine the vegetable oil, sugar, white vinegar, minced parsley and salt. Shake the jar vigorously until the ingredients are well mixed and the sugar has dissolved. Set the dressing aside.

Step 2: Cook the candied almonds

In a skillet over medium heat, cook and stir the slivered almonds and sugar, stirring constantly until the sugar melts and the almonds are coated evenly, five to seven minutes. Immediately spread the sugared almonds on a sheet of foil and let them cool completely.

Step 3: Assemble the salad

In a large salad bowl, combine the romaine, spinach, celery and green onions. Add the mandarin oranges and sugared almonds, and toss gently. Shake the dressing, then drizzle it over the salad and toss gently to coat. Serve immediately.

Spinach Salad with Mandarin Orange Variations

• Add grilled chicken: Top the salad with sliced grilled chicken breast to turn it into a heartier, protein-packed meal.
• Swap the dressing: Use a balsamic vinaigrette instead of the white vinegar dressing for a deeper, more robust flavor.
• Use different fruit: Replace the mandarin oranges with fresh strawberries or blueberries for a different fruity twist.
• Add cheese: Sprinkle crumbled feta or goat cheese over the salad for a creamy, tangy contrast to the sweet oranges and almonds.
• Include avocado: Slice up a ripe avocado and add it to the salad for a creamy, rich addition.
• Try different nuts: Replace the almonds with spiced pecans to introduce a different kind of crunch and flavor.

How to Store Spinach Salad with Mandarin Oranges

To store this mandarin orange spinach salad, keep the dressing, salad and sugared almonds separate until you’re ready to serve. Store the dressing in a sealed jar in the refrigerator, where it will keep for up to a week. The salad greens should be kept in an airtight container to stay fresh, while the sugared almonds can be stored in a cool, dry place to maintain their crunch.

Can you freeze spinach salad with mandarin oranges?

Freezing mandarin salad spinach is not recommended. The greens and citrus segments will lose their texture and become mushy when thawed, leading to a less appealing salad. It’s best to prepare and enjoy this salad fresh for the best taste and texture.

Spinach Salad with Mandarin Orange Tips

What are some other dishes to serve alongside this salad with spinach and mandarin oranges?

Many dishes would complement this salad. Try serving it alongside grilled steak and roasted potatoes for a well-rounded meal. A side of garlic bread would also be a welcome addition.

What can I use if I don’t have fresh parsley for the dressing?

If you don’t have fresh parsley, you can use dried parsley, but reduce the amount to about a teaspoon, since dried herbs are more concentrated in flavor. Alternatively, you can substitute fresh basil or cilantro for a different herbaceous twist.

How can I add more protein to this salad without adding meat?

To add more protein to a spinach salad with mandarin oranges, without adding meat, consider tossing in some chickpeas or a handful of cooked quinoa. Both options will blend well with the salad’s flavors while boosting its nutritional content.