Instructions
- Prepare the Salad: In a large bowl, combine romaine lettuce, mandarin oranges, toasted almonds, red onion, and cranberries. Toss gently.
- Make the Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, apple cider vinegar, honey, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper until emulsified.
- Dress the Salad: Pour dressing over the salad and toss gently to coat.
- Serve: Serve immediately! Garnish with extra almonds or cranberries, if desired.
Cooking Notes and Tips
- Toasting Almonds: Toast almonds in a dry skillet over medium heat for 3-4 minutes, stirring frequently, until golden and fragrant.
- Freshness: Assemble and dress the salad just before serving to keep it crisp.
- Customizing Greens: Use spinach or arugula with romaine for variety.
- Creamier Dressing: Add a tablespoon of Greek yogurt for a thicker dressing.
Variations
- Chicken Mandarin Salad: Add 2 cups cooked, shredded chicken.
- Citrus Vinaigrette: Use fresh lemon or orange juice instead of apple cider vinegar.
- Feta Cheese: Add 1/4 cup crumbled feta cheese.
- Nut-Free: Substitute almonds with sunflower or pumpkin seeds.
- Avocado: Add 1 diced avocado for creaminess.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Can I make the dressing ahead of time?
Yes! Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Whisk before using.
2. How do I keep the salad from getting soggy?
Add dressing just before serving. Keep dressing separate if preparing ahead.
3. Can I use a different type of nut?
Yes! Pecans, walnuts, or cashews work well – toast them for best flavor.
4. Can I use fresh mandarins?
Yes! Peel and segment fresh mandarins or clementines.
5. How do I store leftovers?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Note that the salad may get soggy after dressing.
Enjoy your delicious and refreshing Mandarin Orange Salad!
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