Berry-Mandarin Tossed Salad
A vibrant berry-mandarin salad with tangy vinaigrette, sweet strawberries, and crunchy almonds, perfect for light lunches or summer gatherings with fresh, colorful flavors.
Ingredients
- 1/4 cup sugar ⓘ
- 2 tablespoons cider vinegar ⓘ
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 1 1/4 teaspoons lemon juice ⓘ
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika ⓘ
- 1/2 teaspoon ground mustard ⓘ
- 1/2 teaspoon grated onions ⓘ
- 1/4 teaspoon celery seed ⓘ
- dash of salt ⓘ
- 1/3 cup vegetable oil ⓘ
- 8 cups torn mixed salad greens ⓘ
- 2 cups sliced fresh strawberries ⓘ
- 1 (11 oz.) can mandarin oranges ⓘ
- 1 medium sweet onion sliced into rings ⓘ
- 1/3 cup slivered almonds toasted ⓘ
Instructions
- Combine sugar, cider vinegar, honey, lemon juice, paprika, ground mustard, grated onions, celery seed, and salt in a microwave-safe bowl.
- Microwave uncovered on High for 1 1/2 to 2 minutes until heated through.
- Stir until sugar dissolves completely.
- Whisk in vegetable oil until well combined.
- Cover and refrigerate until ready to serve.
- Just before serving, toss salad greens, strawberries, mandarin oranges, sliced onions, and toasted slivered almonds in a large bowl.
- Drizzle with the prepared dressing and toss gently to coat.
Tips & Substitutions
For a lighter dressing, consider using Greek yogurt instead of vegetable oil. If you prefer a sweeter salad, feel free to increase the honey or add more strawberries. To add a tangy twist, try using lime juice in place of lemon juice. Toasting the almonds enhances their flavor, so don't skip that step. This salad pairs beautifully with Eggs With Crabmeat for a delightful brunch.
Serving Suggestions
This Berry-Mandarin Tossed Salad is perfect as a light lunch or a refreshing side at dinner. Serve it alongside grilled chicken or fish for a balanced meal, or pair it with Pork recipes for a delightful contrast. Garnish with additional slivered almonds or a sprinkle of feta cheese for added flavor. Consider serving it at gatherings, as it’s a crowd-pleaser.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover salad greens and dressing separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator. The greens should stay fresh for about 2-3 days, while the dressing can last up to a week. If you have mixed salad leftovers, keep them in a container and consume within 24 hours for the best texture and flavor.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Berry-Mandarin Tossed Salad contains roughly 779 calories, with 35g protein, 147g carbohydrates, and 33g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin A (333% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (302% of the Daily Value), and iron (222% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1214mg per serving (53% 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 use different fruits in this salad?
Absolutely! Feel free to substitute the strawberries and mandarin oranges with other fruits like blueberries, raspberries, or even diced apples. The key is to maintain a balance between sweet and tangy flavors to complement the dressing.
How can I make this salad vegan?
To make the Berry-Mandarin Tossed Salad vegan, replace honey with maple syrup or agave nectar. Ensure that the dressing is made with plant-based ingredients only, and you can also add more vegetables or grains to enhance the dish.
What can I serve with this salad for a complete meal?
This salad is versatile and pairs well with various dishes. Consider serving it with grilled shrimp, a hearty sandwich, or a warm soup like Easy Vegetable Stew. The freshness of the salad complements rich flavors beautifully.
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).