Mandarin Spinach Salad with Poppy Seed Dressing π₯
Enjoy a burst of flavors with this Mandarin Spinach Salad, featuring the delightful combination of avocado, bacon, onion, and of course, mandarin oranges! Perfect for those days when you crave something fresh, zesty, and satisfying with minimal effort. This recipe promises a symphony of tastes and textures that will leave you craving for more! ππ₯
Preparation Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 20 minutes
Servings: 6
Ingredients:
| For the Dressing: | |
|---|---|
| 1/4 cup white wine vinegar | π· |
| 4 tsp sugar | π |
| 2/3 tsp dry mustard | πΆοΈ |
| 2/3 tsp salt | π§ |
| 2 tbsp lemon juice | π |
| 2/3 cup olive oil | π« |
| 1 tbsp poppy seed | πΌ |
| For the Salad: | |
|---|---|
| 1 bunch spinach | πΏ |
| 1 can (11 oz) mandarin oranges | π |
| 4 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled | π₯ |
| 1 ripe avocado, diced | π₯ |
| 1/4 cup diced red onions | π§ |
| 1/4 cup sliced green onions | π§ |
Instructions:
1. Prepare the Dressing:
- In a small bowl, combine the white wine vinegar, sugar, dry mustard, salt, lemon juice, olive oil, and poppy seeds.
- Whisk together until well blended and emulsified. Set aside.
2. Assemble the Salad:
- Wash and dry the spinach leaves thoroughly. Tear or chop them into bite-sized pieces.
- Drain the mandarin oranges and set aside.
- Cook the bacon until crispy, then crumble into small pieces.
- Dice the ripe avocado, and finely chop the red onions and green onions.
3. Combine Everything:
- In a large salad bowl, toss together the prepared spinach, mandarin oranges, crumbled bacon, diced avocado, red onions, and green onions.
- Drizzle the desired amount of poppy seed dressing over the salad. Start with a little and add more according to taste.
- Gently toss the salad until all ingredients are evenly coated with the dressing.
4. Serve and Enjoy:
- Serve the Mandarin Spinach Salad immediately for the freshest taste and crunch!
- This salad is perfect for brunch gatherings, quick lunches, or as a side dish to complement any meal.
Tips:
- For extra freshness, chill the salad ingredients before assembling.
- If making ahead, keep the dressing and salad ingredients separate until ready to serve.
- Customize the salad by adding nuts like almonds or walnuts for extra crunch.
- Not a fan of bacon? Try substituting with grilled chicken or chickpeas for a vegetarian option.
Nutritional Information (Per Serving):
- Calories: 420.2
- Total Fat: 38.7g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Cholesterol: 12.9mg
- Sodium: 480.3mg
- Carbohydrates: 16.6g
- Fiber: 5.1g
- Sugar: 9.3g
- Protein: 5.9g
Serving Suggestions:
- Pair this Mandarin Spinach Salad with a crusty baguette and a glass of chilled white wine for a delightful meal.
- Serve alongside grilled chicken or salmon for a complete and satisfying dinner.
- Enjoy as a refreshing side dish at picnics, potlucks, or summer barbecues.
So, gather your ingredients, mix up that tangy poppy seed dressing, and get ready to indulge in a salad that’s bursting with flavor and freshness! Whether it’s a quick lunch or a family dinner, this Mandarin Spinach Salad is sure to impress. ππ₯
