Spinach Mandarin Salad

Name: Spinach Mandarin Salad
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 20 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 10 oz baby spinach; 1 can mandarin oranges (approx. 15 oz), drained, or 4 fresh mandarins, peeled and sectioned; 1/4 cup red onion, thinly sliced; ½ cup goat cheese crumbles; ½ cup sliced almonds; ½ cup dried cranberries; 1/2 cup olive oil; 1/4 cup balsamic vinegar; 1-2 tablespoons honey; 2 teaspoons Dijon mustard; Sea salt and pepper to taste

Recipe By:

Martha

Posted:

March 13, 2025

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Fresh, vibrant, and incredibly tasty, the Spinach Mandarin Salad is just what you need to brighten up your meal! Picture this: a bowl filled with tender baby spinach leaves, juicy mandarin oranges, and crunchy almonds, all tossed together with tangy goat cheese and sweet dried cranberries. Doesn’t that just sound delightful? The combination of flavors and textures makes this salad not just a side but a star attraction at any table. Whether you’re looking for a quick lunch, a refreshing side for dinner, or even a light meal on its own, this salad will not disappoint. So let’s get started, and I promise you’ll be mesmerized by how easy and satisfying it is to whip up this Spinach Mandarin Salad!

Jump to:

Why You’ll Love This Spinach Mandarin Salad
What is a Spinach Mandarin Salad
Ingredients for Spinach Mandarin Salad
How to Prepare Spinach Mandarin Salad
Toast the Almonds
Combine Salad Ingredients
Make the Honey Balsamic Dressing
Toss and Serve
Serving Suggestions
Tips for Success
Variations
Storage Tips
Pairing Ideas
FAQs
More Easy Salads & Sides Recipes:
📖 Recipe Card

Why You’ll Love This Spinach Mandarin Salad

This Spinach Mandarin Salad is a perfect blend of sweet, tangy, and crunchy goodness. It’s not only easy to make but also a feast for both the eyes and the taste buds. One bite, and you’ll understand why it’s a favorite among salad lovers. The vibrant colors of the spinach and mandarins make it visually appealing, while the mix of flavors keeps things exciting. It’s light enough for a summer day yet feels substantial with all the ingredients working together. Perfect for gatherings, it brings a festive touch to any table, making your meal feel extra special.

What is a Spinach Mandarin Salad

Simply put, a Spinach Mandarin Salad is a salad featuring fresh baby spinach and sweet mandarin oranges. It’s typically adorned with a delightful mix of other ingredients like cheese, nuts, and a zesty dressing. The beauty of this salad lies in its versatility. You can serve it as a simple yet sophisticated side dish or as a main course packed with protein by adding grilled chicken or shrimp. Its refreshing flavors and crunchy textures make it a go-to choice for both casual meals and formal occasions.

Ingredients for Spinach Mandarin Salad

To make your delicious Spinach Mandarin Salad, gather the following ingredients:

10 oz baby spinach
1 can mandarin oranges (approx. 15 oz), drained, or 4 fresh mandarins, peeled and sectioned
1/4 cup red onion, thinly sliced
½ cup goat cheese crumbles
½ cup sliced almonds
½ cup dried cranberries
1/2 cup olive oil
1/4 cup balsamic vinegar
1-2 tablespoons honey
2 teaspoons Dijon mustard
Sea salt and pepper to taste

These ingredients meld together to create a harmonious and delightful dish. Now, let’s move on to how you can whip up this salad in no time!

How to Prepare Spinach Mandarin Salad

Toast the Almonds

First things first, let’s toast the almonds. Preheat your oven to 350°F. Spread the sliced almonds on a baking sheet and toast them for about 4-6 minutes. You’ll know they’re ready when they start to smell amazing and show a lovely golden brown color. Keep an eye on them, as nuts can go from toasted to burnt quickly. Once they’re done, let them cool while you move on to the next steps.

Combine Salad Ingredients

Next, in a large bowl, combine the baby spinach, mandarin oranges, thinly sliced red onion, goat cheese crumbles, toasted almonds, and dried cranberries. This is where the magic starts to happen! The colors and textures all come together beautifully, and it’s hard not to get excited about what’s to come.

Make the Honey Balsamic Dressing

For the dressing, grab a separate bowl. Whisk together the olive oil, balsamic vinegar, honey, Dijon mustard, sea salt, and pepper until you achieve a smooth and well-combined mixture. If the dressing seems a bit thick, don’t hesitate to add a splash of water to reach your desired consistency. The dressing is not just an accessory; it makes the salad pop with flavor!

Toss and Serve

Just before serving, drizzle the desired amount of dressing over the salad ingredients and gently toss everything together. A little goes a long way, so start lightly and add more if necessary. Enjoy your fresh and vibrant Spinach Mandarin Salad—it’s ready to impress!

Serving Suggestions

The versatility of the Spinach Mandarin Salad is one of its great features. You can pair it with grilled chicken for a hearty meal, or enjoy it with shrimp for a seafood twist. It even works wonderfully as a side dish for a light pasta dish. Whatever your choice, this salad complements a variety of entrees, making it a wonderful addition to your meal rotation.

Tips for Success

Fresh Ingredients: For the best flavor, make sure you use fresh spinach and ripe mandarins. The quality of your ingredients truly shines through in this salad.
Balance Flavors: Feel free to tweak the honey and Dijon in the dressing according to your taste preferences. Cooking should be fun and tailored to you!
Serving Size: This salad scales easily, allowing you to adjust the ingredients based on how many people you’re feeding. It’s perfect for small family dinners or larger gatherings.

Variations

Want to mix things up? Here are a few variations to try:

Instead of goat cheese, why not use feta or blue cheese for a different flavor profile?
Adding sliced avocados can introduce a wonderful creaminess.
Toss in some cucumbers or bell peppers for an extra crunch.

Feel free to get creative; the base is just the beginning!

Storage Tips

Should you have any leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To keep your salad fresh and prevents the spinach from wilting, it’s best to keep the dressing separate until you’re ready to enjoy the rest.

Pairing Ideas

This Spinach Mandarin Salad isn’t just incredible on its own; it also pairs beautifully with a light white wine, such as Sauvignon Blanc or a fruity rosé. For a complete meal, serve it alongside some crusty bread or a refreshing quinoa dish. The options are endless, and you can indulge with no guilt!

FAQs

1. Can I make this salad ahead of time?
Absolutely! Just remember to keep the dressing separate until you’re about to serve to ensure the spinach stays fresh.

2. Is this salad gluten-free?
Yes, all the ingredients in this Spinach Mandarin Salad are gluten-free, making it a safe choice for anyone with gluten sensitivities.

3. Can I use other types of nuts?
Definitely! Pecans or walnuts bring their unique touch and can easily be swapped in for almonds.

4. How do I store leftovers?
Keep any leftover salad in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Don’t forget to keep the dressing separate!

5. Can I use fresh oranges instead of canned?
Absolutely! Fresh mandarins not only add a burst of flavor but also enhance the salad’s color and appeal.

This Spinach Mandarin Salad is more than just a collection of ingredients; it’s an uplifting experience for your taste buds. Fresh and vibrant, it’s perfect for any occasion. So, gather your ingredients and enjoy creating this delightful salad. It’s bound to become a staple in your kitchen!

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Spinach Mandarin Salad

Why You’ll Love This Spinach Mandarin Salad

What is a Spinach Mandarin Salad

Ingredients for Spinach Mandarin Salad