Mandarin Almond Salad: A Refreshing and Nutritious Delight

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Mandarin Almond Salad is a vibrant and refreshing dish that combines crisp romaine lettuce, juicy mandarin oranges, crunchy almonds, and a tangy vinaigrette. Perfect for a light lunch or a delightful side dish, this salad is easy to prepare and full of flavor.

Ingredients:

  • Salad:
    • 1 head romaine lettuce, approximately 8 cups, chopped
    • 2 cups mandarin oranges (approximately 2 cans, 10.5 oz each, with juice)
    • 1 1/4 cup sliced almonds
    • 3/4 cup green onions, diced (about 1 bunch)
  • Vinaigrette:
    • 1/4 cup high-quality olive oil
    • 1/8 cup mandarin orange juice (reserved from canned mandarins)
    • 1/8 cup lemon juice
    • 2 teaspoons apple cider vinegar
    • 2 teaspoons Dijon mustard
    • 1 teaspoon salt
    • 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger

Instructions:

  1. Prepare the Salad Ingredients:
    • Chop the romaine lettuce into bite-sized pieces and place it in a large salad bowl.
    • Drain the mandarin oranges, reserving 1/8 cup of the juice for the vinaigrette.
    • Dice the green onions.
    • If not already done, slice the almonds.
  2. Make the Vinaigrette:
    • In a small mixing bowl, combine the olive oil, reserved mandarin orange juice, lemon juice, apple cider vinegar, Dijon mustard, salt, and ground ginger.
    • Whisk together until the vinaigrette is well emulsified and smooth.
  3. Assemble the Salad:
    • Add the mandarin oranges, sliced almonds, and diced green onions to the bowl with the chopped romaine lettuce.
    • Pour the vinaigrette over the salad ingredients.
    • Toss the salad gently to ensure all the ingredients are evenly coated with the vinaigrette.
  4. Serve:
    • Serve the Mandarin Almond Salad immediately for the best flavor and texture.
    • Enjoy it as a light and refreshing lunch or as a side dish to complement your main course.

Conclusion:

Mandarin Almond Salad is a delightful and refreshing dish that brings together a wonderful mix of flavors and textures. The crisp romaine lettuce, sweet mandarin oranges, crunchy almonds, and tangy vinaigrette create a perfect balance that is both satisfying and nutritious. This salad is ideal for any occasion, whether as a quick lunch or a tasty side dish. Enjoy the bright and fresh flavors of this simple yet elegant salad!