Description
This Spinach Mandarin Salad with Honey Balsamic Dressing is a vibrant and refreshing dish combining fresh baby spinach, juicy mandarins, and crunchy toasted almonds, all brought together with a luscious honey balsamic dressing. Perfect as a quick lunch or a light, nutritious side, it balances sweet and tangy flavors with crisp and creamy textures, making it an ideal choice for any occasion.
Ingredients
Scale
Salad Ingredients
- 4 cups fresh baby spinach leaves, washed and dried
- 2–3 mandarins, peeled and segmented
- 1/4 cup red onion, thinly sliced
- 1/4 cup toasted almonds
- 1/3 cup plant-based feta cheese, crumbled
Honey Balsamic Dressing Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons honey (natural)
- 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar (natural)
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard (natural)
- 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- Salt, to taste
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the Fresh Ingredients: Thoroughly wash and dry the baby spinach leaves to keep them crisp. Peel the mandarins and separate into bite-sized segments. Thinly slice the red onion. Have the toasted almonds and crumbled plant-based feta ready for topping.
- Make the Honey Balsamic Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together honey (natural), balsamic vinegar (natural), apple cider vinegar, Dijon mustard (natural), extra virgin olive oil, salt, and freshly ground black pepper until the dressing is smooth and emulsified.
- Toss the Salad: In a large mixing bowl, combine the spinach, mandarin segments, and sliced red onion. Drizzle the prepared honey balsamic dressing over the mixture and toss gently to coat all ingredients evenly.
- Add Crunch and Creaminess: Just before serving, sprinkle the toasted almonds and crumbled plant-based feta on top to maintain their texture and enhance the flavor balance.
Notes
- Use fresh, ripe mandarins and tender baby spinach for the best flavor and texture.
- Dry the spinach leaves completely using a salad spinner or paper towels to prevent sogginess.
- Adjust the sweetness of the dressing by modifying the honey and vinegar quantities according to your taste.
- Lightly toast the almonds to enhance their nutty flavor before adding to the salad.
- Serve the salad immediately after tossing for optimal freshness and crispness.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Appetizers
- Method: No cooking required
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 9g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 1.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 12g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
Keywords: spinach salad, mandarin salad, honey balsamic dressing, plant-based feta, healthy salad, quick salad, gluten free salad
