Leslie'S Salad
Leslie's Salad is a vibrant and refreshing dish featuring crisp greens, sweet mandarin oranges, crunchy almonds, and a tangy homemade dressing. Perfect for light lunches or gatherings, it offers a delightful mix of textures and flavors that appeal to both health-conscious and indulgent palates.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Toss the chopped lettuce or greens, chopped celery, chopped green onions, and drained Mandarin oranges together in a large bowl.
- In a small saucepan, melt 3/4 cup sugar over low heat until dissolved.
- Add 1/2 cup slivered almonds to the melted sugar, stir to coat, and spread on a greased cutting board to cool.
- Once cooled, chop the almonds and add them to the greens mixture.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together 1/2 cup vinegar, 1 cup oil, 1 teaspoon salt, 1 teaspoon pepper, and the remaining sugar to make the dressing.
- Pour the dressing over the salad and toss gently to combine before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
For added crunch, you can substitute walnuts or pecans for the slivered almonds. To make the dressing a bit tangier, consider using apple cider vinegar instead of regular vinegar. If you prefer a lighter salad, reduce the oil to 3/4 cup and add a splash of lemon juice for flavor. This salad can also be made ahead of time; just keep the dressing separate until serving.
Serving Suggestions
Leslie's Salad is a delightful accompaniment to grilled meats or as part of a potluck spread. It pairs beautifully with Cold Slaw and can be served alongside Easy Home Baked Bread for a complete meal. Consider adding a sprinkle of feta or goat cheese on top for an extra layer of flavor.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To keep the greens crisp, it's best to store the dressing separately and only combine when ready to eat. If the salad becomes soggy, try refreshing it by adding fresh greens before serving.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Leslie'S Salad contains roughly 880 calories, with 15g protein, 49g carbohydrates, and 70g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (47% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (39% of the Daily Value), and protein (31% of the Daily Value), and a good source of calcium and potassium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 533mg per serving (23% 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 vegan?
Yes! To make Leslie's Salad vegan, simply omit the sugar that is melted with the almonds and use a plant-based oil for the dressing. You can also substitute maple syrup or agave nectar for the sugar in the dressing for a vegan-friendly option.
How can I make this salad ahead of time?
You can prepare the salad ingredients in advance by chopping the vegetables and storing them in the refrigerator. Make the dressing separately and combine everything just before serving to ensure freshness. This is a great option for gatherings or meal prep.
What can I serve with Leslie's Salad?
Leslie's Salad pairs well with various dishes, including grilled chicken or fish. For a vegetarian option, serve it alongside quinoa or a hearty grain-based dish. It also complements a variety of American recipes, making it a versatile side for any meal.
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).