Print
clock clock iconcutlery cutlery iconflag flag iconfolder folder iconinstagram instagram iconpinterest pinterest iconfacebook facebook iconprint print iconsquares squares iconheart heart iconheart solid heart solid icon
Spinach Mandarin Salad with Honey Balsamic Dressing

Spinach Mandarin Salad with Honey Balsamic Dressing

  • Author: Marcus
  • Total Time: 15 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings 1x
  • Diet: Gluten Free

Description

Spinach Mandarin Salad with Honey Balsamic Dressing is a fresh and vibrant salad that combines tender baby spinach leaves with sweet, juicy mandarin segments, all tossed in a tangy and naturally sweet honey balsamic dressing. This light and nutritious salad is perfect for a quick lunch or as a colorful side dish, offering a delightful blend of flavors and textures.

Ingredients

Scale

Salad Ingredients

  • 4 cups tender baby spinach leaves, washed and dried
  • 2 cups mandarin oranges, peeled and segmented (fresh or canned)
  • 1/4 cup thinly sliced red onion (optional)
  • 1/4 cup toasted chopped almonds or walnuts (optional)

Honey Balsamic Dressing

  • 2 tablespoons honey (natural)
  • 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar (natural)
  • 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar (natural)
  • 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard (natural)
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • 1/4 cup olive oil

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Spinach and Mandarins: Wash the baby spinach leaves thoroughly and dry them using a salad spinner or clean kitchen towel. Peel and segment fresh mandarins, removing seeds and membranes to keep the fruit tender and juicy.
  2. Make the Honey Balsamic Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together honey (natural), balsamic vinegar (natural), apple cider vinegar (natural), Dijon mustard (natural), salt, and freshly ground black pepper. Slowly drizzle in the olive oil while whisking continuously to create a smooth and emulsified dressing.
  3. Assemble the Salad: Place the spinach leaves in a large salad bowl. Add the mandarin segments along with optional sliced red onion and toasted nuts if using. Drizzle the honey balsamic dressing over the salad and gently toss to coat all ingredients evenly without bruising the spinach or fruit.
  4. Serve Fresh: Serve immediately for the freshest taste and the best crisp texture. Garnish with extra mandarin slices, chopped toasted nuts, or fresh herbs like mint or basil if desired.

Notes

  • Use fresh, high-quality spinach and mandarins for the best flavor and texture.
  • Adjust the sweetness and acidity of the dressing by varying the amounts of honey and vinegar to suit your taste.
  • Toss the salad gently to avoid crushing the delicate spinach leaves and mandarin segments.
  • Lightly toast nuts in a dry pan before adding them to enhance their flavor and crunch.
  • Keep salad ingredients chilled until ready to serve to maintain crispness.
  • You can substitute honey with maple syrup or agave syrup (natural) for a vegan dressing.
  • Store leftovers in an airtight container with dressing kept separate; toss just before serving to keep spinach crisp.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 0 minutes
  • Category: Appetizers
  • Method: No cooking required
  • Cuisine: International

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 bowl (approximately 1 cup)
  • Calories: 180
  • Sugar: 14 g
  • Sodium: 180 mg
  • Fat: 12 g
  • Saturated Fat: 1.8 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 16 g
  • Fiber: 3 g
  • Protein: 3 g
  • Cholesterol: 0 mg

Keywords: spinach salad, mandarin salad, honey balsamic dressing, healthy salad, gluten free salad, easy salad

Find it online: https://tastysoulkitchen.com/spinach-mandarin-salad-with-honey-balsamic-dressing/