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Fresh Mandarin Orange Almond Salad

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A quick and easy salad combining crisp mixed greens, fresh mandarin oranges, toasted almonds, and a bright homemade dressing. Perfect for a healthy lunch, potluck, or light dinner.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 6 cups mixed greens (baby spinach, arugula, or spring mix)
  • 3 large fresh mandarins, peeled and segmented
  • 1/2 cup sliced or slivered almonds, toasted
  • 1/4 cup thinly sliced red onion (optional)
  • 1/3 cup crumbled feta cheese
  • 2 tablespoons chopped fresh mint or basil
  • 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
  • 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed mandarin orange juice
  • 1 tablespoon honey (or maple syrup for vegan option)
  • 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

Instructions

  1. Toast the almonds in a dry skillet over medium heat, stirring frequently for 3-5 minutes until golden and fragrant. Transfer to a plate to cool.
  2. Peel the mandarins and separate into segments, removing any seeds or pith. Reserve juice for dressing.
  3. Thinly slice the red onion. To mellow flavor, soak slices in cold water for 10 minutes and drain.
  4. In a small bowl or jar, whisk together olive oil, mandarin juice, honey, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper. Adjust sweetness or acidity to taste.
  5. In a large salad bowl, combine mixed greens, mandarin segments, toasted almonds, red onion, feta cheese, and fresh herbs.
  6. Drizzle the dressing over the salad and toss gently to coat evenly without bruising the greens or mandarins.
  7. Serve immediately for best freshness. Keep salad and dressing separate if preparing ahead and toss just before serving.

Notes

Toast almonds carefully to avoid burning. Use freshest greens possible and toss salad just before serving to keep crispness. For vegan option, substitute honey with maple syrup and omit or replace feta cheese. Keep dressing and salad separate if storing to prevent sogginess.

Nutrition

Keywords: mandarin orange salad, almond salad, fresh salad, healthy salad, quick salad, easy salad recipe, gluten-free salad, dairy-free option

Find it online: https://elvafood.com/fresh-mandarin-orange-almond-salad-recipe-easy-crisp-greens-salad-idea/