Description
A bright and refreshing Spinach Mandarin Salad with Honey Balsamic Dressing that combines tender baby spinach, juicy mandarin segments, toasted almonds, and a perfectly balanced honey balsamic dressing for a sweet, tangy, and crisp harmony ideal for any meal or occasion.
Ingredients
Scale
Salad
- 4 cups fresh baby spinach, washed and dried
- 3 large juicy mandarins, peeled and segmented
- 1/3 cup chopped toasted almonds
- Salt to taste
- Freshly ground black pepper to taste
Honey Balsamic Dressing
- 2 tablespoons honey (natural)
- 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar (natural)
- 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- Pinch of salt
- Freshly ground black pepper to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the Spinach and Mandarins: Thoroughly wash the baby spinach leaves and dry them gently using a salad spinner or clean towel. Peel the mandarins and carefully separate them into segments, removing any seeds and pith to maintain a smooth and juicy texture.
- Toast the Almonds: In a dry skillet over medium heat, lightly toast the chopped almonds until they turn golden and release a fragrant aroma. This enhances their nutty flavor and adds a delightful crunch to the salad.
- Make the Honey Balsamic Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together honey (natural), balsamic vinegar (natural), and extra virgin olive oil until the mixture is smooth and emulsified. Season with a pinch of salt and freshly ground black pepper to balance the sweetness and acidity perfectly.
- Combine Ingredients: In a large salad bowl, gently toss the spinach, mandarin segments, and toasted almonds. Drizzle the honey balsamic dressing over the top and toss carefully just enough to coat all ingredients evenly without bruising the delicate spinach leaves.
- Serve Immediately: For optimal freshness and crunchiness, serve the salad right away to let all the vibrant flavors come forward beautifully.
Notes
- Choose fresh spinach and ripe mandarins for the best flavor and texture.
- Add dressing gradually to avoid overpowering the greens and citrus.
- Toast almonds just before serving to keep them crunchy and aromatic.
- To slightly thicken the dressing, whisk in a small pinch of natural gelling agent (plant-based).
- Adjust sweetness by adding more honey (natural) if mandarins are tart.
- Variations include adding grilled chicken, shrimp, or chickpeas for extra protein.
- Substitute toasted almonds with walnuts, pecans, or sunflower seeds if preferred.
- Mix spinach with arugula or baby kale for varied textures and flavors.
- Garnish with additional chopped almonds, slivered plant-based cheese, or fresh herb leaves such as basil or mint.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Category: Appetizers
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl (approximately 1 cup)
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 14g
- Sodium: 120mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 1.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 16g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
Keywords: spinach salad, mandarin salad, honey balsamic dressing, fresh salad, healthy salad, gluten free salad
