Almond Orange Garden Salad
A vibrant and crunchy salad featuring fresh lettuces, toasted almonds, sweet oranges, and a tangy homemade dressing, perfect for light lunches or gatherings.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Combine vegetable oil, white wine vinegar, sugar, and salt in a jar and shake to make the dressing.
- Combine sliced almonds and sugar in a skillet; cook over medium heat, stirring until almonds are browned. Transfer to foil to cool.
- Tear iceberg and Romaine lettuce into bite-sized pieces and place in a salad bowl.
- Add sliced oranges and chopped onions to the lettuce.
- Pour dressing over the salad; add freshly ground black pepper and toss gently.
- Top the salad with toasted almonds and chopped parsley.
- Use the dressing sparingly, as you may not need all of it.
- Prepare the salad a day ahead, but add almonds, parsley, and dressing just before serving to keep ingredients fresh. Store almonds in a zip-lock bag for up to 3-4 days.
Tips & Substitutions
For a delightful twist, consider adding sliced avocados or swapping the almonds for walnuts for a different flavor profile. If you prefer a lighter dressing, reduce the sugar or use honey instead. Fresh herbs like basil or mint can also enhance the taste. Be sure to toast the almonds until golden for added crunch and flavor.
Serving Suggestions
This Almond Orange Garden Salad is perfect for a light lunch or as a side dish at dinner. It pairs beautifully with grilled chicken or fish, making it an excellent choice for summer gatherings. You can also serve it alongside dishes like Jiffy Fruit Salad for a refreshing meal. Garnish with additional fresh parsley for a pop of color.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. However, keep the toasted almonds and dressing separate to maintain their crunch and flavor. If you have extra dressing, it can be stored in the fridge for about a week. Shake well before using again.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Almond Orange Garden Salad contains roughly 388 calories, with 26g protein, 49g carbohydrates, and 17g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (189% of the Daily Value), vitamin C (135% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (93% of the Daily Value), and a good source of calcium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1704mg per serving (74% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this salad ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the salad a day in advance. However, it's best to add the toasted almonds, chopped parsley, and dressing just before serving to keep the ingredients fresh and crunchy.
What can I substitute for the white wine vinegar?
If you don't have white wine vinegar, you can use apple cider vinegar or lemon juice for a similar tangy flavor. Adjust the sweetness accordingly if you choose a stronger vinegar.
Can this salad be made vegan?
Absolutely! To make this salad vegan, simply ensure that you use a plant-based sugar and replace the dressing with a vegan alternative. This salad is naturally full of fresh vegetables and can be enjoyed by everyone.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).