Orange Almond Lettuce Salad
A refreshing lettuce salad featuring sweet mandarin oranges, crunchy slivered almonds, and a tangy almond vinaigrette, perfect for light lunches or summer gatherings.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Combine torn lettuce, diced celery, and minced green onions in a bowl.
- In a separate small bowl, whisk together vinegar, salad oil, 2 tablespoons sugar, salt, pepper, and almond extract to make the dressing.
- Place slivered almonds and 2 tablespoons sugar in a small frypan.
- Stir over low heat until sugar melts and adheres to the almonds.
- Pour the almonds onto a plate to cool, then break into pieces.
- Add drained mandarin oranges and cooled almonds to the vegetables.
- Pour the dressing over the vegetables and toss gently to combine.
- Serve immediately.
Tips & Substitutions
For a fresh twist, consider adding sliced cucumbers or bell peppers for extra crunch. If you prefer a nut-free version, sunflower seeds can replace the almonds. Adjust the sweetness by increasing or reducing the sugar in the dressing according to your taste. This salad is light and pairs beautifully with Garlic Loaf for a complete meal.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this salad as a refreshing side dish at barbecues or picnics. It pairs well with grilled chicken or fish for a light lunch. For a vegetarian option, consider accompanying it with Easy Pineapple Angel Food for dessert, making a delightful meal that balances flavors and textures.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. The salad may become soggy due to the dressing, so it's best to keep the dressing separate until ready to serve. If needed, you can refresh the salad by adding a little extra dressing before serving.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Orange Almond Lettuce Salad contains roughly 139 calories, with 1g protein, 17g carbohydrates, and 7g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (25% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1244mg per serving (54% 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 salad ahead of time?
It's best to prepare the salad just before serving to maintain the freshness of the lettuce and the crunch of the almonds. However, you can prepare the dressing and the candied almonds a day in advance, storing them separately in the fridge until you are ready to assemble the salad.
What can I substitute for mandarin oranges?
If you don't have mandarin oranges, you can use diced fresh oranges or canned peaches as a substitute. Both options provide a similar sweetness and complement the dressing well, ensuring your salad remains vibrant and flavorful.
Is this salad suitable for vegan diets?
Yes, this salad can easily be made vegan by ensuring the salad oil and sugar are vegan-friendly. The combination of fresh vegetables, fruits, and nuts makes it a nutritious option for those following vegan recipes, while still being delicious and satisfying.
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).