Crisp Mandarin Salad with Sweet & Sour Dressing

Mandarin Salad Recipe

🕒 Prep Time: 15 minutes
🕒 Total Time: 15 minutes
🍽 Servings: Depends on portion size

Description:

Indulge in the delightful fusion of flavors with this Mandarin Salad recipe from lovewithrecipes.com. Crisp lettuce, tangy mandarin oranges, crunchy almonds, and a sweet and sour dressing come together to create a refreshing and satisfying salad that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether as a side dish or a light meal on its own, this Mandarin Salad is sure to impress!

Ingredients:

Nutrition Facts (per serving):

• Calories: 253.8
• Fat: 17g
• Saturated Fat: 2g
• Cholesterol: 0mg
• Sodium: 322mg
• Carbohydrates: 25.4g
• Fiber: 3.9g
• Sugar: 20.3g
• Protein: 3g

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Dressing:

   • In a tightly covered jar, combine sugar, vinegar, parsley, salt, and pepper.
   • Shake vigorously until the ingredients are well mixed.
   • Refrigerate the dressing while you prepare the rest of the salad.

2. Prepare the Almonds:

   • In a pan over low heat, combine almonds and sugar.
   • Stir constantly until the sugar is melted and the almonds are evenly coated.
   • Allow the almonds to cool, then break them apart.
   • Store the candied almonds at room temperature until ready to use.

3. Assemble the Salad:

   • In a large plastic bag, combine the lettuce and romaine.
   • Add the celery and green onions to the bag.
   • Gently toss the ingredients in the bag to mix them evenly.

4. Add the Mandarin Oranges:

   • Carefully add the mandarin orange segments to the bag.

5. Dress and Serve:

   • Pour the sweet and sour dressing into the bag.
   • Close the bag tightly and shake until the salad is evenly coated with the dressing.
   • Once coated, add the candied almonds to the salad mixture.
   • Serve immediately and enjoy the refreshing flavors of this Mandarin Salad!

Tips:

• For added crunch, try substituting candied pecans or walnuts for the almonds.
• To make this salad ahead of time, prepare the dressing and candied almonds separately, and store them in airtight containers until ready to use. Assemble the salad just before serving to keep it fresh and crisp.
• Customize the salad by adding your favorite toppings such as grilled chicken, shrimp, or avocado slices.
• Feel free to adjust the sweetness and tanginess of the dressing by adding more or less sugar and vinegar according to your taste preferences.
• To make this recipe vegan-friendly, substitute maple syrup or agave nectar for the sugar in the dressing, and use a plant-based alternative for the honey.
• For a gluten-free option, ensure that the vinegar used in the dressing is gluten-free, or substitute with lemon or lime juice.