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Spinach Mandarin Salad with Honey Balsamic Dressing

Spinach Mandarin Salad with Honey Balsamic Dressing

  • Author: Anthony
  • Total Time: 20 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings 1x
  • Diet: Gluten Free

Description

Delight your taste buds with a vibrant Spinach Mandarin Salad with Honey Balsamic Dressing that perfectly balances fresh baby spinach, juicy mandarin oranges, and a luscious sweet-tangy natural dressing. This refreshing salad combines crisp greens, zesty citrus segments, crunchy toasted almonds, and creamy plant-based feta cheese, making it an irresistible choice for a light lunch, side dish, or stunning starter at your next gathering.

Ingredients

Scale

Salad

  • 4 cups fresh baby spinach, washed and drained
  • 3 mandarin oranges, peeled and segmented
  • 1/2 medium red onion, thinly sliced
  • 1/3 cup toasted almonds
  • 1/2 cup crumbled feta (plant-based) cheese

Honey Balsamic Dressing

  • 2 tablespoons honey (natural)
  • 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar (natural)
  • 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar (natural)
  • 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard (natural)
  • 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Ingredients: Begin by thoroughly washing the baby spinach and draining it well. Peel and segment the mandarins, removing any seeds or pith. Thinly slice the red onion for a mild crispness.
  2. Toast the Almonds: In a dry skillet over medium heat, toast the almonds until golden and fragrant, stirring frequently to avoid burning. Remove from heat and let cool.
  3. Make the Honey Balsamic Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together the honey (natural), balsamic vinegar (natural), apple cider vinegar (natural), Dijon mustard (natural), and extra virgin olive oil until well combined. Season with salt and pepper, adjusting the sweetness or acidity to your preference.
  4. Assemble the Salad: In a large salad bowl, combine the baby spinach, mandarin segments, sliced red onion, and toasted almonds. Drizzle the honey balsamic dressing over the salad and toss gently to coat all ingredients evenly.
  5. Add Feta (Plant-Based) and Serve: Top the salad with crumbled plant-based feta cheese for creamy richness. Serve immediately to enjoy the fresh textures and vibrant flavors.

Notes

  • Use the freshest baby spinach and mandarins available to maximize crispness and flavor.
  • Watch the almonds carefully when toasting to prevent burning and bitterness.
  • Whisk dressing vigorously or shake in a jar to ensure the oil and vinegars combine smoothly.
  • Adjust dressing sweetness by adding more honey (natural) or acidity by adding more vinegar as desired.
  • Chill salad components and dressing separately if not serving immediately to keep everything crisp.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 5 minutes
  • Category: Appetizers
  • Method: No Cooking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 serving
  • Calories: 180
  • Sugar: 12g
  • Sodium: 200mg
  • Fat: 12g
  • Saturated Fat: 2g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 8g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 15g
  • Fiber: 3g
  • Protein: 4g
  • Cholesterol: 0mg

Keywords: spinach mandarin salad, honey balsamic dressing, plant-based feta, fresh salad, gluten free salad, healthy salad

Find it online: https://homedishideas.com/spinach-mandarin-salad-with-honey-balsamic-dressing/