| Prep: 15 mins | Cook: 0 mins | Difficulty: Easy | Serves: 6 |
| kcal | fat | saturates | carbs |
| 265 | 15g | 4g | 30g |
| sugars | fibre | protein | salt |
| 20g | 4g | 6g | 0.2g |
I hold a special place in my heart for this delightful, zesty Mandarine and Spinach Salad. It’s a uniquely flavorful blend of Pacific Northwest freshness and traditional Japanese simplicity, reflecting my own dual origins.
The Symphony of Flavors
One bite into this salad, and you’ll experience the crunch of fresh spinach, the tanginess of mandarin oranges, and the sweetness of dried cranberries. The toasted almonds add a remarkable crunch, their nuttiness offset by the punchy red onions, and what salad would be complete without that smooth, creamy feta that so perfectly rounds everything off?
At the heart of this symphony, the honey-infused vinaigrette brings it all together – the fruity olive oil contributing a richness that balances with the sharpness of the apple cider vinegar, and the light seasoning pulling every vibrant ingredient into a harmonious whole.
Health & Harmony
This Mandarine and Spinach Salad is not just pleasing to the palate, it’s full of health benefits too. Spinach is packed with iron and vitamins A and C, while mandarins are known for their vitamin C content and antioxidant benefits. The inclusion of almonds and olive oil adds a good dose of healthy fats to the mix.
Beyond the health aspect, this salad encapsulates the way I’ve learned to love food – appreciating every ingredient, considering their interplay, and always reaching for that perfect balance of flavors. It’s a reflection of my journey from the verdant landscapes of Seattle to the serene heart of Japan.
Beautiful Pairings
While the Mandarine and Spinach Salad shines on its own, pairing it with other dishes only heightens its charm. Why not try it alongside a pan-seared salmon with a soy-mustard glaze? Or perhaps as a refreshing side to a Japanese pork katsu curry? The possibilities are endless, and I look forward to exploring them all.
After all, it’s a blend of my two homelands in a bowl, and it’s been a joy to share my beloved Mandarine and Spinach Salad recipe with you – an offering from my kitchen to yours.
What You’ll Need
- 4 cups fresh spinach
- 2 cups mandarin oranges, canned or fresh
- 1 cup dried cranberries
- 1/2 cup sliced almonds, toasted
- 1/4 cup red onion, thinly sliced
- 1/2 cup feta cheese, crumbled
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
- 2 tablespoons honey or sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Method
Step One
First, prepare all of your ingredients. Wash the fresh spinach and let it dry. If you choose to use canned mandarin oranges, drain the juice. Thinly slice the red onion. Toast the sliced almonds and let them cool.
Step Two
Begin by making your salad dressing. Pour the olive oil, apple cider vinegar, honey (or sugar), salt, and black pepper into a small bowl. Whisk these ingredients together until they are fully combined. Set this aside for later use.
Step Three
Place the 4 cups of spinach at the bottom of a large salad bowl. Then layer the mandarin oranges, dried cranberries, toasted almonds, sliced red onion, and crumbled feta cheese on top.
Step Four
Lastly, drizzle your homemade dressing over the salad. Gently toss the salad to ensure everything gets evenly coated with the dressing. You can add more salt and pepper if needed.
Step Five
Your Mandarin and Spinach Salad is now ready to be served. Enjoy this delicious and healthy salad as a side dish or as a main meal!
