Mandarin Spinach With Poppy Seed Dressing
A bright, tangy salad featuring crisp spinach, sweet mandarin oranges, smoky bacon, creamy avocado, and a zingy poppy seed dressing—perfect for a light lunch or elegant side.
Ingredients
- 1/4 c. white wine vinegar ⓘ
- 4 tsp. sugar ⓘ
- 2/3 tsp. dry mustard ⓘ
- 2/3 tsp. salt ⓘ
- 2 tsp. fresh lemon juice ⓘ
- 2/3 c. oil ⓘ
- 1 Tbsp. poppy seed ⓘ
- 1 lb. fresh spinach, stemmed and torn into bite-size pieces
- 11 oz. can Mandarin oranges, drained ⓘ
- 1/4 lb. bacon, crisply cooked and crumbled
- 1 large avocado, sliced ⓘ
- 1/4 medium-sized red onion, sliced thin ⓘ
Instructions
- Combine white wine vinegar, sugar, dry mustard, and salt in a blender or food processor and blend until smooth.
- With the machine running, slowly drizzle in fresh lemon juice, then gradually pour in the oil, continuing to blend until emulsified.
- Stir in poppy seed until evenly distributed.
- In a large bowl, add the torn spinach, drained mandarin oranges, crumbled bacon, sliced avocado, and thinly sliced red onion.
- Pour the prepared dressing over the salad and toss gently to coat all ingredients.
- Serve immediately while the salad is fresh and vibrant.
Tips & Substitutions
For a creamier dressing, consider adding a dollop of Greek yogurt. If you're short on fresh spinach, you can substitute with baby kale or mixed greens. Using fresh mandarin oranges can enhance the flavor even more. If you’d like a bit more crunch, try adding some toasted walnuts or sunflower seeds, which pair beautifully with the poppy seed dressing.
Serving Suggestions
This salad is perfect as a light lunch or a side dish for grilled chicken or fish. It pairs wonderfully with hearty entrees like Glorified Hamburger or Barbecue Noodle Cheese Bake. For a complete meal, serve with crusty bread or a side of your favorite soup, such as Loaded Baked Potato Soup.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. However, keep the dressing separate to prevent the spinach from wilting. When ready to enjoy, drizzle the dressing over the salad just before serving for the best texture.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Mandarin Spinach With Poppy Seed Dressing contains roughly 420 calories, with 10g protein, 22g carbohydrates, and 35g fat. It is an excellent source of calcium (46% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (31% of the Daily Value), and vitamin C (29% of the Daily Value), and a good source of protein and potassium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1831mg per serving (80% 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 the dressing ahead of time?
Yes, the poppy seed dressing can be made a day in advance. Just store it in the refrigerator in a sealed container. Before using, give it a good shake or stir to recombine the ingredients, as they may separate over time.
What can I substitute for the bacon?
If you're looking for a vegetarian option, you can omit the bacon entirely or replace it with crispy chickpeas or smoked tempeh for a similar texture and flavor. For a non-vegetarian alternative, turkey bacon works well too.
Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?
Yes, this salad can be prepared ahead of time. However, it's best to store the components separately to maintain freshness. Pack the spinach, fruits, and toppings in one container and the dressing in another. Combine them just before serving for optimal taste.
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).