Spinach-Romaine Salad
A fresh, vibrant salad combining crisp romaine and spinach with sweet mandarin oranges, crunchy almonds, and mild green onions, perfect for a light, nutritious meal or side dish.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Cut or tear the romaine lettuce and fresh spinach into bite-sized pieces.
- Slice the green onions thinly.
- Clean and slice the mushrooms.
- Drain the mandarin oranges.
- In a large bowl, combine the lettuce, spinach, green onions, mushrooms, and mandarin oranges.
- Sprinkle with almonds.
- Toss gently to combine and serve.
Tips & Substitutions
For a crunchier salad, consider using toasted almonds instead of raw. You can substitute the almonds with sunflower seeds if you're looking for a nut-free option. Fresh herbs like parsley or cilantro can enhance the flavor profile, while adding ingredients like avocado or feta cheese can create a more filling dish. If you prefer a different citrus, try using grapefruit instead of mandarin oranges.
Serving Suggestions
This vibrant Spinach-Romaine Salad is perfect as a light lunch or a side dish for grilled chicken or fish. It pairs beautifully with Baked Scallops And Mushrooms In Garlic Sauce for a delightful seafood dinner. Consider serving it alongside a refreshing drink like Mom'S Old Fashioned Punch to balance the flavors.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Keep the almonds separate until serving to maintain their crunch. If the salad has been dressed, consume it sooner to prevent wilting. For a quick refresh, toss with a splash of olive oil or lemon juice before serving again.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Spinach-Romaine Salad contains roughly 159 calories, with 7g protein, 36g carbohydrates, and 1g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin D (197% of the Daily Value) and vitamin C (56% of the Daily Value), and a good source of dietary fiber and potassium. It also contributes 5g 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 make this salad ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the vegetables and keep them in the refrigerator for up to a day before serving. However, it's best to dress the salad just before serving to prevent the greens from wilting. You can also keep the almonds in a separate container until you're ready to eat.
What other ingredients can I add?
You can enhance the salad by adding diced cucumbers, cherry tomatoes, or bell peppers for extra color and flavor. For protein, consider grilled chicken or chickpeas. If you enjoy a bit of sweetness, add dried cranberries or sliced strawberries to complement the mandarin oranges.
Is this salad suitable for a vegan diet?
Yes, this Spinach-Romaine Salad is naturally vegan as it contains no animal products. For added protein, you might include chickpeas or tofu. To make it more filling, serve with a side of whole grain bread or a hearty soup for a complete vegan 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).