Pecan Mandarin Salad
This delightful Pecan Mandarin Salad is a vibrant combination of fresh greens, juicy mandarin oranges, and crunchy pecans, dressed in a light and tangy vinaigrette. Originating from a cherished local country cookbook, this salad has consistently garnered praise at dinner parties, especially when paired with a succulent rib-eye steak cooked to perfection on the barbecue. Whether you are looking to add a refreshing side to your main course or enjoy a light meal, this salad is sure to impress.
Recipe Overview
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Servings: 6
- Category: Fruit
- Keywords: Nuts, Less than 60 Minutes, Easy
- Description: A delicious and refreshing salad that pairs wonderfully with grilled meats, making it a perfect addition to any dinner gathering.
Nutritional Information
| Nutrient | Amount per Serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 349 |
| Total Fat | 30.4 g |
| Saturated Fat | 3.6 g |
| Cholesterol | 0 mg |
| Sodium | 56.8 mg |
| Carbohydrates | 18.7 g |
| Dietary Fiber | 5.2 g |
| Sugars | 11.1 g |
| Protein | 4.7 g |
Ingredients
| Quantity | Ingredient |
|---|---|
| 1 | Romaine lettuce |
| 1 | Mandarin orange |
| 1 | Pecan halves |
| 1 | Spinach |
| ½ | Red onion, sliced |
| 2 | Maple syrup |
| ½ | Olive oil |
| ¼ | Vinegar |
| 2 | Brown sugar |
| 4-5 cloves | Garlic, minced |
Instructions
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Prepare the Salad: In a large mixing bowl, combine the romaine lettuce, mandarin orange segments, pecan halves, spinach, and sliced red onion. Toss the ingredients gently to mix them evenly, ensuring the colors and textures are well-distributed.
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Make the Dressing: Just before serving, prepare the dressing by whisking together the maple syrup, olive oil, vinegar, brown sugar, and minced garlic in a small bowl. Adjust the seasoning to taste, if desired.
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Dress the Salad: Drizzle the dressing over the salad and toss gently to ensure that all the ingredients are evenly coated with the dressing.
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Serve: Enjoy the salad immediately for the freshest taste. If you need to prepare it in advance, you can keep the salad ingredients and dressing separate in the refrigerator for up to a week. Just combine them shortly before serving to maintain the salad’s crispness.
This Pecan Mandarin Salad not only adds a pop of color to your dinner table but also provides a refreshing contrast to heartier main dishes. Its unique combination of flavors and textures makes it a favorite among guests, making it an ideal choice for gatherings or simple family dinners. Enjoy the delightful crunch of pecans and the sweetness of mandarin oranges as they complement each other beautifully in this easy-to-prepare salad.
