Wilted Spinach Salad A L'Orange
A vibrant wilted spinach salad with crispy bacon, sweet mandarin oranges, and crunchy almonds, dressed with a tangy citrus vinaigrette—perfect for light lunches or elegant dinners.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Tear the spinach into bite-sized pieces and set aside.
- Cook bacon until crispy; crumble into bits and set aside.
- In a skillet, on medium-low heat, add the bacon grease.
- Stir in the white wine vinegar, sugar, lemon juice, and the juice from the drained mandarin oranges.
- Add the chopped almonds and cook the dressing for 1-2 minutes to combine flavors.
- Add the spinach to the skillet and cook just until wilted, about 1-2 minutes.
- Remove from heat, add the mandarin oranges, toss gently, and serve immediately.
Tips & Substitutions
For a lighter alternative, consider using turkey bacon instead of regular bacon. You can also substitute the white wine vinegar with apple cider vinegar for a slightly different flavor. If you prefer a nut-free option, skip the almonds or replace them with sunflower seeds. Make sure to drain the mandarin oranges well to prevent excess moisture in the salad.
Serving Suggestions
This wilted spinach salad pairs beautifully with warm baguette club sandwiches or as a side to pork recipes like sweet and spicy barbecue ribs. For a more substantial meal, consider adding grilled chicken or shrimp on top. A light vinaigrette can enhance the flavors even more.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. The spinach may become soggy, so it's best to consume the salad fresh. If reheating, do so gently in a skillet over low heat just until warmed through, but keep in mind that spinach does not reheat well.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Wilted Spinach Salad A L'Orange contains roughly 171 calories, with 7g protein, 21g carbohydrates, and 8g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (32% of the Daily Value), and a good source of protein and dietary fiber. It also contributes 4g 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?
While it’s best served fresh, you can prepare the dressing and bacon ahead of time. Store them separately in the refrigerator, and add the spinach and mandarin oranges just before serving to maintain freshness and texture.
What can I use instead of mandarin oranges?
If you can't find mandarin oranges, you can substitute them with segments of navel oranges or even diced fresh peaches. Both alternatives will add a sweet and juicy flavor that complements the salad beautifully.
Is this salad suitable for meal prep?
This salad is not ideal for meal prep due to the wilting nature of the spinach. However, you can prepare the components separately and assemble them fresh for a quick meal. The dressing can be made in advance and stored in the fridge for up to a week.
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).