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Spinach Mandarin Salad with Honey Balsamic Dressing

Spinach Mandarin Salad with Honey Balsamic Dressing

  • Author: Michael
  • Total Time: 20 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings 1x
  • Diet: Gluten Free, Plant-Based

Description

The Spinach Mandarin Salad with Honey Balsamic Dressing is a fresh, vibrant, and plant-based salad combining tender baby spinach, sweet mandarin segments, toasted walnuts, thinly sliced red onion, and creamy plant-based feta cheese. Tossed in a naturally sweet and tangy honey balsamic dressing, this salad offers a perfect balance of flavors and textures. Ideal as a light lunch, side dish, or party salad, it is easy to prepare and adaptable to various preferences.

Ingredients

Scale

Salad

  • 4 cups fresh baby spinach leaves, washed and dried
  • 3 medium mandarins, peeled and segmented
  • 1/2 cup toasted walnuts
  • 1/4 cup red onion, thinly sliced
  • 1/3 cup plant-based feta cheese, crumbled

Honey Balsamic Dressing

  • 2 tablespoons honey (natural)
  • 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar (natural)
  • 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard (natural)
  • 1/4 cup olive oil
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1/8 teaspoon black pepper

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Spinach and Mandarins: Thoroughly wash the baby spinach leaves and dry them completely to avoid sogginess. Peel the mandarins and segment them, removing any white pith to ensure maximum juiciness and sweetness.
  2. Toast the Walnuts: Warm a dry skillet over medium heat. Add the walnuts and toast them until they become golden brown and release a fragrant aroma, about 4 to 5 minutes. Stir frequently to prevent burning and to bring out a deep nutty flavor.
  3. Slice the Red Onion: Thinly slice the red onion for a mild zest and crisp texture. To soften its sharpness, soak the slices in cold water for 10 minutes, then drain well before using.
  4. Make the Honey Balsamic Dressing: In a small bowl or jar, whisk together the honey (natural), balsamic vinegar (natural), Dijon mustard (natural), olive oil, salt, and pepper until fully combined and slightly thickened to emulsify the dressing.
  5. Assemble the Salad: In a large mixing bowl, combine the baby spinach, mandarin segments, toasted walnuts, and sliced red onion. Drizzle the honey balsamic dressing over the salad and gently toss to coat all the ingredients evenly.
  6. Add Plant-Based Feta Cheese: Sprinkle the crumbled plant-based feta cheese on top of the salad for a creamy and salty finish that complements the sweet and tangy dressing perfectly.

Notes

  • Use fresh mandarins for maximum juiciness and natural sweetness.
  • Ensure the greens are thoroughly dried to keep the salad crisp and prevent dilution of the dressing.
  • Toast nuts gently and watch closely to avoid burning while enhancing flavor.
  • Whisk the dressing well to create a smooth, emulsified texture.
  • Taste and adjust the sweetness and acidity of the dressing by varying the honey or balsamic vinegar as preferred.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 5 minutes
  • Category: Appetizers
  • Method: No baking required
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 cup
  • Calories: 210 kcal
  • Sugar: 12 g
  • Sodium: 150 mg
  • Fat: 16 g
  • Saturated Fat: 2 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 13 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 14 g
  • Fiber: 3 g
  • Protein: 4 g
  • Cholesterol: 0 mg

Keywords: spinach salad, mandarin salad, honey balsamic dressing, plant-based salad, gluten free salad, healthy salad, side dish

Find it online: https://classicrecipehub.com/spinach-mandarin-salad-with-honey-balsamic-dressing/