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- 8 cups fresh spinach, washed and dried - 1 cup mandarin orange segments (canned or fresh) - 1/2 cup sliced almonds, toasted - 1/3 cup red onion, thinly sliced - 1 avocado, diced - 1/4 cup feta cheese, crumbled (optional) - 1/4 cup olive oil - 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar - 1 tablespoon honey - Salt and pepper to taste Choosing fresh spinach When picking spinach, look for bright green leaves. Avoid any yellow or wilting leaves. Fresh spinach adds a crisp texture and vibrant flavor. Selecting canned vs. fresh mandarin oranges Fresh mandarin oranges are sweet and juicy. If you use canned, check for those packed in juice, not syrup. This choice helps keep the salad healthy. Importance of toasting almonds Toasting almonds brings out their flavor. It adds a nice crunch to the salad. Simply place them in a dry pan over medium heat. Stir for a few minutes until golden brown. Let them cool before adding to the salad. Start by washing 8 cups of fresh spinach. I like to use cold water. After washing, dry the spinach well. You can use a salad spinner for this. It helps remove extra water. Next, grab a large salad bowl. This will hold all your tasty ingredients. Now comes the fun part! Take your 1 cup of mandarin orange segments and arrange them on top of the spinach. You can use canned or fresh oranges, whichever you prefer. Then, sprinkle 1/2 cup of sliced almonds over the oranges. Toasted almonds add a nice crunch. Dice 1 avocado and add it next. For more flavor, thinly slice 1/3 cup of red onion and mix it in. If you like, crumble 1/4 cup of feta cheese on top for a creamy touch. For the dressing, grab a small mixing bowl. Combine 1/4 cup of olive oil, 2 tablespoons of apple cider vinegar, and 1 tablespoon of honey. Whisk these together until well-mixed. Add salt and pepper to taste. You want the dressing to be slightly thickened. This helps it stick to your salad. When you're ready, drizzle the dressing over the salad just before serving. Toss everything gently to coat the ingredients evenly. Enjoy your fresh and flavorful dish! To boost the taste of your Mandarin Orange Spinach Salad, consider adding fresh herbs like mint or basil. These herbs bring a nice touch of brightness. You can also use spices like cumin or chili powder for a bit of warmth. When it comes to the dressing, balance the sweetness of the honey. If it’s too sweet, add a little more apple cider vinegar. This adds tang and keeps the flavors fresh. Making this salad look great is easy. Use a large, shallow bowl to show off the colors. Start with the bright green spinach as your base. Next, layer the orange segments on top. This adds a pop of color. For serving, consider using individual bowls. This makes it easy for guests to enjoy their own portion. You can also garnish with extra nuts or herbs for a nice touch. If you want a vegan salad, skip the feta cheese. You can also swap the honey with agave syrup or maple syrup. This keeps the sweetness without animal products. To make it gluten-free, check that your dressing ingredients are free from gluten. The salad is already low in calories but you can cut back by using less olive oil. Just drizzle lightly for flavor without extra calories. {{image_2}} You can mix up your salad by swapping out spinach. Try using kale or mixed greens instead. Both options provide a different taste and texture. If you want a lighter option, use arugula. Each green adds its own flair. For fruits, mandarin oranges shine, but you can add other options. Try using sliced strawberries, apples, or even pomegranate seeds. Each fruit brings a unique flavor that can change the whole dish. Be creative and use what is fresh! While the honey vinaigrette is tasty, you have other choices. A citrus dressing can enhance the salad's flavor. Combine lime juice with olive oil for a zesty kick. You can also try a yogurt-based dressing for creaminess. When it comes to dressings, homemade is often best. Store-bought options can save time, but they may add unwanted preservatives. Making your own ensures fresh flavors and no hidden ingredients. Change your salad to match the seasons. In spring, add fresh strawberries or snap peas. Summer is great for peaches or blueberries. In fall, try adding roasted butternut squash or apples. Winter is perfect for using citrus fruits like grapefruit. Seasonal swaps keep the salad exciting and fresh. To keep your Mandarin Orange Spinach Salad fresh, store it properly. Put any leftover salad in an airtight container. This will help keep the spinach crisp and the flavors bright. Avoid adding dressing if you plan to store leftovers. Dressing can make the spinach soggy. Instead, store the dressing in a separate container. You can mix it in just before serving. Use glass containers with tight lids for the best results. They prevent air from getting in and help keep the salad fresh. You can also use plastic containers, but make sure they seal well. If you're using a bowl, cover it tightly with plastic wrap. This salad is best served cold, so reheating is usually not needed. However, if you prefer warm spinach, you can quickly toss it in a pan over low heat. This will wilt the spinach slightly but still keep it tasty. Avoid cooking it too long, or it may lose texture. Your Mandarin Orange Spinach Salad will last about 2 to 3 days in the fridge. Make sure to check for any signs of spoilage before eating. If the spinach looks wilted or slimy, it’s time to toss it. Always trust your senses when checking for freshness. How do I make this salad ahead of time? You can prepare this salad a few hours early. Wash and dry the spinach. Store it in the fridge. Keep the dressing separate until serving. This keeps the salad fresh and crisp. Can I replace spinach with another leafy green? Yes, you can use kale, arugula, or mixed greens. Each green adds a unique taste. Experiment to find what you like best. Is it possible to add protein to this salad? Absolutely! You can add grilled chicken, shrimp, or chickpeas. This boosts nutrition and makes the salad more filling. How long does the dressing last in the fridge? The dressing lasts about a week in the fridge. Store it in a sealed container. Shake before using to mix the ingredients well. Can I use different nuts or seeds? Yes! Feel free to swap almonds for walnuts, pecans, or sunflower seeds. Each nut or seed brings a new flavor and texture. What are the health benefits of spinach? Spinach is rich in vitamins A, C, and K. It helps with eye health and boosts the immune system. Spinach also has iron, which is good for energy. How many calories are in Mandarin Orange Spinach Salad? This salad has about 250 calories per serving. The calories depend on added ingredients, like feta cheese or protein. This blog post explored how to make a fresh mandarin orange spinach salad. We covered key ingredients, dressing options, and tips for quality. I shared step-by-step instructions for preparation and assembly. You learned how to enhance flavors and create beautiful presentations. Variations and storage tips ensure your salad stays fresh. Overall, this salad is easy to make and great for any meal. Try it out, and enjoy a burst of flavor!

Mandarin Orange Spinach Salad

Elevate your salad game with this refreshing Mandarin Orange Spinach Salad! Packed with vibrant flavors from fresh spinach, sweet mandarin oranges, creamy avocado, and crunchy toasted almonds, it's the perfect blend of health and taste. Drizzle with a simple homemade dressing for a delightful finish. Ready in just 10 minutes, this salad is ideal for any occasion. Click through for the full recipe and brighten up your meal today!
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Ingredients
  

8 cups fresh spinach, washed and dried

1 cup mandarin orange segments (canned or fresh)

1/2 cup sliced almonds, toasted

1/3 cup red onion, thinly sliced

1 avocado, diced

1/4 cup feta cheese, crumbled (optional)

1/4 cup olive oil

2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar

1 tablespoon honey

Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions
 

In a large salad bowl, add the fresh spinach as the base.

    Arrange the mandarin orange segments evenly over the spinach.

      Sprinkle the toasted sliced almonds, diced avocado, and red onion on top.

        If using, add the crumbled feta cheese for an extra flavor boost.

          In a small mixing bowl, whisk together the olive oil, apple cider vinegar, honey, salt, and pepper until combined and slightly thickened.

            Drizzle the dressing over the salad just before serving.

              Toss the salad gently to combine all the ingredients and coat them with the dressing evenly.

                Prep Time, Total Time, Servings: 10 mins | 10 mins | 4 servings