Marion'S Mandarin Green Salad
Marion's Mandarin Green Salad offers a refreshing blend of crisp lettuce, sweet mandarin oranges, crunchy pecans, and red onion rings, all drizzled with a tangy vinaigrette. Perfect for light lunches or side dishes at gatherings, it combines sweet, nutty, and tangy flavors for a delightful experience.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Place lettuce in a salad bowl and top with Mandarin oranges, chopped pecans, and red onion rings.
- Combine the wine vinegar, sugar, salad oil, salt, chopped onion, and dry mustard in a bowl and mix well.
- Just before serving, pour the dressing over the salad and toss gently.
Tips & Substitutions
To enhance the flavor of Marion's Mandarin Green Salad, consider toasting the pecans before adding them to the salad for a richer taste. If you prefer a sweeter dressing, increase the sugar slightly. For a lighter option, substitute olive oil for salad oil. You can also use fresh mandarin segments instead of canned for an extra burst of flavor.
Serving Suggestions
This salad pairs beautifully with grilled chicken or fish for a refreshing meal. For a heartier option, serve it alongside a warm Boston Butt Pork Roast. It also makes a great side dish for potlucks or family gatherings, complementing dishes like Glazed Fruit And Franks or a simple sandwich.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two days. However, keep the dressing separate until ready to serve to prevent the lettuce from wilting. If you have leftover dressing, it can be stored in the fridge for up to a week and used on other salads or as a marinade.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Marion'S Mandarin Green Salad contains roughly 430 calories, with 4g protein, 28g carbohydrates, and 36g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (41% of the Daily Value) and dietary fiber (23% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 698mg per serving (30% 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, you can prepare the dressing a day in advance. Just store it in the refrigerator in a sealed container. Make sure to give it a good shake before using, as the ingredients may separate over time.
What can I substitute for pecans?
If you're not a fan of pecans or have allergies, walnuts or slivered almonds are great alternatives. You can also omit nuts altogether for a nut-free version of the salad.
Can I add other ingredients to the salad?
Absolutely! Feel free to add other vegetables like bell peppers or cucumbers for extra crunch. You can also include crumbled feta or goat cheese for a creamy texture, making it more akin to a Fruited Green Salad.
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).