Description
A fresh and vibrant Spinach Mandarin Salad with Honey Balsamic Dressing (natural), combining tender baby spinach, juicy mandarin segments, thinly sliced red onion, and toasted almonds for crunch. The naturally sweet and tangy honey balsamic dressing brings a perfectly balanced flavor, making this salad ideal for a light lunch, dinner side, or refreshing snack.
Ingredients
Scale
Salad Ingredients
- 4 cups fresh baby spinach, washed and dried
- 3 mandarins, peeled and separated into segments
- 1/4 cup red onion, thinly sliced
- 1/4 cup toasted almonds
Honey Balsamic Dressing (natural)
- 2 tablespoons honey (natural)
- 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar (natural)
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar (natural)
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard (natural)
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt, to taste
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the ingredients: Wash and dry the baby spinach thoroughly to prevent watering down the dressing. Peel the mandarins and separate into individual segments. Thinly slice the red onion for a mild sharpness.
- Toast the almonds: Heat a dry skillet over medium heat. Add almonds and stir frequently until golden and fragrant, about 3 to 5 minutes. Remove from heat and let cool.
- Make the honey balsamic dressing (natural): In a small bowl, whisk together honey, balsamic vinegar, apple cider vinegar, Dijon mustard, olive oil, salt, and pepper until smooth and emulsified. Adjust seasoning as needed.
- Toss the salad: In a large bowl, combine spinach, mandarin segments, and sliced red onion. Drizzle dressing over and gently toss to coat all ingredients evenly.
- Add the finishing touch: Sprinkle toasted almonds on top for crunch and serve immediately for optimum freshness and flavor.
Notes
- Choose fresh, tender baby spinach leaves for best texture and flavor.
- Use fresh mandarins for juiciness; if using canned, drain thoroughly.
- Watch almonds carefully while toasting to prevent burning.
- Whisk dressing vigorously to fully emulsify honey and oils.
- Toss salad gently to keep spinach leaves intact and fresh-looking.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Category: Appetizers
- Method: No cooking required (toasting almonds on stovetop)
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 9g
- Sodium: 120mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 1.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7.5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 12g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
Keywords: Spinach salad, mandarin salad, honey balsamic dressing, fresh salad, healthy salad, gluten free, light meal
