Mandarin Tossed Salad
A vibrant and refreshing salad featuring crisp lettuce, sweet mandarin oranges, crunchy toasted almonds, and fresh herbs. Perfect for light lunches or as a colorful side dish, it combines sweet, nutty, and fresh flavors for a delightful taste experience.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Toast almonds in a skillet with 1 tablespoon and 1 teaspoon sugar until golden brown.
- Toss all ingredients in a bowl, including the toasted almonds, lettuce, chopped celery, parsley, green onion, and mandarin oranges.
Tips & Substitutions
For added flavor, consider substituting the toasted almonds with walnuts or pecans if you prefer a different nut. You can also use a mix of fresh herbs like cilantro or basil instead of parsley for a unique twist. If you're looking for a vegan option, ensure the sugar used for toasting the almonds is vegan-friendly. This salad works well with a light vinaigrette dressing or simply olive oil and lemon juice.
Serving Suggestions
This Mandarin Tossed Salad makes a refreshing side dish for grilled chicken or fish, enhancing your meal with its vibrant flavors. It pairs beautifully with 'Late Louise Holland's' Vegetable Salad for a colorful spread. You can also serve it over a bed of quinoa or couscous for a heartier main dish. Consider garnishing with extra parsley for presentation.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To keep the salad fresh, it's best to store the dressing separately and add it just before serving. If reheating any components, such as the almonds, do so in a skillet over low heat to regain their crunchiness without burning them.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Mandarin Tossed Salad contains roughly 542 calories, with 29g protein, 48g carbohydrates, and 33g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (91% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (88% of the Daily Value), and iron (88% of the Daily Value). It also contributes 25g of dietary fiber toward your daily target.
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 canned mandarin oranges instead of fresh?
Yes, canned mandarin oranges are a convenient alternative. Just make sure to drain them well to avoid excess liquid in your salad. Fresh oranges provide a brighter flavor, but canned options work well if you're short on time or want to keep the salad ingredients shelf-stable.
How can I make this salad more filling?
To make this salad more filling, consider adding protein such as grilled chicken, shrimp, or chickpeas. You could also toss in some cooked quinoa or farro for added texture and nutrients. These additions will turn the salad into a satisfying meal rather than just a side dish.
What dressing goes well with this salad?
A light citrus vinaigrette complements the flavors of the mandarin oranges perfectly. You can whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, a dash of honey, and a pinch of salt for a simple dressing. Alternatively, a light sesame dressing also pairs nicely, enhancing the toasted almonds' flavor.
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).