Etowah Winter Salad
A refreshing winter salad featuring spinach, mandarin oranges, dates, and pecans, tossed in a tangy vinaigrette—perfect for light, flavorful meals or festive gatherings.
Ingredients
- 1 lb. fresh spinach or other leaf lettuce, washed and trimmed ⓘ
- 1/2 small red onion, sliced ⓘ
- 2 (11 oz.) cans mandarin orange slices, drained ⓘ
- 1/2 c. chopped sugared dates ⓘ
- 3/4 c. pecans, chopped ⓘ
- 1/3 c. oil
- 3 Tbsp. wine vinegar ⓘ
- 2 Tbsp. lemon juice
- 1 tsp. garlic salt ⓘ
- 1/2 tsp. salt ⓘ
- 2 tsp. brown sugar ⓘ
- pepper to taste ⓘ
Instructions
- Mix dressing ingredients in a jar.
- Shake well.
- Toss with salad ingredients just before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
For a creamy twist, consider adding a dollop of Greek yogurt to the dressing. If you don't have pecans, walnuts or almonds can work well as a substitute. To enhance flavors, lightly toast the nuts before adding them to the salad. If you prefer a sweeter dressing, increase the brown sugar to taste. This salad also pairs beautifully with Spareribs Aloha for a heartier meal.
Serving Suggestions
This salad is perfect as a light lunch or a side dish for dinner. It pairs well with grilled chicken or fish and can be served alongside hearty dishes like Fruited Wild Rice. Garnish with additional pecans or orange slices for an attractive presentation. Serve chilled for the best flavor experience.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To keep the greens fresh, keep the dressing separate until ready to serve. If you want to enjoy the salad later, consider adding the dressing only to individual portions to maintain the crispness of the spinach.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Etowah Winter Salad contains roughly 1119 calories, with 4g protein, 24g carbohydrates, and 115g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (158% of the Daily Value), vitamin A (26% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (23% of the Daily Value), and a good source of potassium and iron. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 553mg per serving (24% 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 other types of lettuce for this salad?
Absolutely! While fresh spinach is recommended, you can substitute with other leafy greens such as arugula, kale, or mixed salad greens. Each will bring a unique flavor and texture to the salad, making it versatile for different seasons and preferences.
How can I make this salad vegan?
To make the Etowah Winter Salad vegan, simply ensure that the dressing does not contain any honey or dairy-based ingredients. The current dressing ingredients are already vegan-friendly, so you can enjoy this salad without any modifications. Consider adding avocado for extra creaminess.
What can I serve with this salad for a complete meal?
To create a balanced meal, consider serving this salad with grilled proteins like chicken or tofu. It also pairs well with hearty dishes like quinoa or a warm grain bowl. For a lighter option, serve it alongside your favorite soup or a sandwich.
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).