Goodnews Class Salad
A vibrant, crunchy salad featuring fresh greens, tangy mandarin oranges, and toasted almonds, perfect for light lunches or entertaining with a sweet and savory flavor profile.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Mix greens, chopped green onions, chopped celery, and mandarin oranges together in a large bowl.
- In a small skillet, mix sugar and water and heat until sugar dissolves.
- Stir in slivered almonds to coat them with the sugar mixture.
- Toss the coated almonds into the salad and serve with red wine vinaigrette.
Tips & Substitutions
For a crunchy texture, consider toasting the slivered almonds in the skillet before coating them with sugar. You can substitute the red wine vinaigrette with a balsamic vinaigrette if desired. If you prefer a vegan version, simply omit the sugar coating on the almonds or use a maple syrup glaze instead. Adjust the amount of mandarin oranges based on your sweetness preference.
Serving Suggestions
This salad pairs beautifully with grilled chicken or fish for a light lunch. Serve alongside Doris' Bean Salad for a colorful and nutritious spread. For a more substantial meal, consider adding quinoa or chickpeas. It’s a perfect dish for potlucks or family gatherings, offering a refreshing contrast to heavier dishes.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. Keep the red wine vinaigrette separate until serving to prevent the greens from wilting. For best results, consume the coated almonds within a day, as they may lose their crunch over time.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Goodnews Class Salad contains roughly 60 calories, with 1g protein, 14g carbohydrates, and 0g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (39% 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 prepare the salad in advance?
Yes, you can prepare the salad ingredients a few hours in advance. However, it’s best to wait to add the vinaigrette and almonds until just before serving to maintain freshness and crunch. This way, the greens stay crisp and the flavors remain vibrant.
What can I substitute for mandarin oranges?
If mandarin oranges are unavailable, you may use canned peaches or pineapple chunks for a similar sweetness. Fresh citrus segments, like tangerines or clementines, also work well and add a refreshing burst of flavor to the salad.
How can I make this salad more filling?
To make this salad more filling, consider adding protein-rich ingredients like grilled chicken, shrimp, or chickpeas. You could also add slices of avocado or some crumbled feta cheese for extra creaminess. Incorporating grains like quinoa or farro can also enhance the dish’s heartiness.
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).