Mandarin Orange Spinach Salad

Whenever I think of refreshing salads, the Mandarin Orange Spinach Salad always comes to mind. It’s a vibrant dish that not only brightens up the plate but also lifts the spirit. I remember hosting a small gathering with friends, and we needed something that was not only delicious but also light and healthy. I decided to whip up this salad, and it was an absolute hit! The combination of tender spinach, sweet mandarin oranges, and grilled chicken creates a harmony of flavors that’s hard to resist.

As we enjoyed the salad, I could see the smiles on everyone’s faces; it was the perfect balance of sweet and savory. The homemade lemon honey ginger dressing truly elevates the dish, bringing everything together beautifully. This salad is not just a meal; it’s an experience filled with laughter and joy. Every bite reminded me of sunny days and good times with friends. So, let’s dive into making this delicious Mandarin Orange Spinach Salad that’s perfect for any occasion!

Mandarin Orange Spinach Salad Ingredients

The ingredients for the Mandarin Orange Spinach Salad are an exciting mix of flavors and textures. Each element plays a vital role in creating a delightful dish that’s both satisfying and nutritious.

• 1/4 cup olive oil – A rich source of healthy fats that adds a luxurious texture to the dressing.
• 1/4 cup canola oil – Used in the dressing for a lighter flavor.
• 1 tsp lemon zest – This brightens the dressing with fresh citrus notes.
• 3 1/2 tbsp fresh lemon juice – Adds tanginess that balances the sweetness of the oranges.
• 2 tbsp honey – Provides a touch of natural sweetness.
• 2 tbsp peeled and grated ginger – Infuses the dressing with a warm spice.
• 1 clove garlic – Adds depth to the flavor profile.
• 1 tsp dijon mustard – Helps to emulsify the dressing while giving it a slight kick.
• 1/4 – 1/2 tsp salt, to taste – Enhances all the flavors.
• 12 wonton wrappers, sliced into 1/2-inch thick strips – These add a delightful crunch.
• Vegetable oil, for frying – Used to fry the wonton strips until golden and crispy.
• Cinnamon – A light sprinkling adds a unique flavor to the wonton strips.
• 1 lb boneless skinless chicken breast, grilled and sliced – The protein that makes this salad hearty.
• 1 cup sliced almonds, toasted – They add a wonderful crunch and nutty flavor.
• 10 oz baby spinach – The main green that brings freshness.
• 2 cups snow peas, sliced into halves – Adds a sweet crunch.
• 1 1/2 cups matchstick carrots – For color and a slight sweetness.
• 1 red bell pepper, seeded and diced – Provides vibrant color and sweetness.
• 1 1/2 (15 oz) cans mandarin oranges (no sugar added), drained well – The star of the salad that brings sweetness and juiciness.
• 1/2 cup cilantro, stems removed – Adds a fresh herbaceous note.
• Black and white sesame seeds, for garnish (optional) – A lovely finishing touch.

How to Prepare Mandarin Orange Spinach Salad

Preparing the Mandarin Orange Spinach Salad is a delightful experience, filled with vibrant colors and fresh aromas. Let’s walk through the steps to create this delicious dish together.

1. Begin by making the dressing. Add all the ingredients – olive oil, canola oil, lemon zest, lemon juice, honey, ginger, garlic, dijon mustard, and salt – into a blender. Pulse until well emulsified, making sure the ginger and garlic are finely minced. This dressing is the heart of your salad, so take your time to blend until everything’s incorporated smoothly.
2. Next, pour the dressing into an airtight container and allow it to rest in the refrigerator while you prepare the salad. This resting time lets the flavors meld beautifully. Don’t forget to shake or stir it again before adding to the salad!
3. Heat about 3/4 to 1-inch of vegetable oil in a skillet to about 360 degrees. Maintaining this temperature is key for frying the wonton strips. Adjust the heat as necessary, ensuring the oil is hot but not smoking.
4. Carefully add just enough wonton strips to the hot oil without overcrowding the pan. Fry them until they’re halfway cooked, then use metal tongs to rotate them to the opposite side. Continue cooking until they’re lightly golden brown. This step creates the perfect crispy treat!
5. Once done, remove the fried wonton strips and drain them on a plate lined with paper towels. Immediately sprinkle them lightly with cinnamon and salt before they cool and dry completely. The warm wontons will absorb the flavors beautifully.
6. In a large salad bowl, combine the baby spinach, snow peas, matchstick carrots, red bell pepper, mandarin oranges, and cilantro. Toss gently to mix all the ingredients together. The colors in this bowl are so inviting!
7. Drizzle the prepared dressing over the salad, using as much or as little as you like. Toss again gently to coat all the ingredients evenly in this flavorful dressing. It’s the vibrant colors and fresh flavors that make this salad so appealing.
8. Top each serving with the desired amount of fried wonton strips for that essential crunch. Don’t forget to sprinkle some black and white sesame seeds on top for an extra touch of elegance!
9. Serve the salad immediately, enjoying the crispy wontons alongside the fresh ingredients. This salad is best enjoyed fresh, so gather your loved ones and dig in!

Make It Your Own

One of the joys of cooking is being able to customize dishes to fit your taste. Here are some great tips for making the Mandarin Orange Spinach Salad your own:

• Storage: If you have leftovers, store the salad and dressing separately to keep the greens crisp. Use an airtight container for the salad and a jar for the dressing.
• Freezing: This salad doesn’t freeze well due to the fresh ingredients. Enjoy it fresh for maximum flavor.
• Pairing: This salad pairs beautifully with grilled fish or chicken for a complete meal. It also makes a light lunch on its own.
• Variations: Feel free to add other ingredients like feta cheese, avocado, or nuts to enhance the flavors and textures.
• Batch Cooking: Prepare the dressing and grilled chicken in advance to save time during busy weeknights.

Great Combinations for Mandarin Orange Spinach Salad

The Mandarin Orange Spinach Salad is incredibly versatile, making it perfect for various occasions. Here are some great combinations to enjoy:

• Perfect for Lunch: This salad is an excellent choice for a light lunch. It’s filling yet refreshing, making it a great option for work or school.
• Ideal for Dinner: Serve it as a side dish alongside grilled chicken or fish for a balanced dinner. The flavors complement each other beautifully.
• Spring Gatherings: With its vibrant colors, this salad is perfect for spring gatherings or brunch. It’s a wonderful way to celebrate fresh produce.
• Picnics and Potlucks: Pack this salad for picnics or potlucks. It’s sure to impress and be the first to go!
• Meal Prep: Prepare the ingredients ahead of time for easy weeknight meals, ensuring you have a nutritious option ready to go.

FAQ

Conclusion

The Mandarin Orange Spinach Salad is a delightful blend of flavors and textures that makes it an exceptional dish for any occasion. The combination of sweet mandarin oranges, tender spinach, and crispy wontons creates a refreshing experience that is hard to resist. I encourage you to try this lovely salad at home, as it not only satisfies your taste buds but also brings joy to your table. It’s a beautiful way to celebrate fresh ingredients and create lasting memories with loved ones.

Mandarin Orange Spinach Salad

Craving a refreshing dish? The Mandarin Orange Spinach Salad is the ultimate blend of sweet and savory, featuring juicy mandarin oranges and tender spinach. Perfect for a light meal or as a vibrant side, this easy recipe will brighten up your table tonight!

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 20 minutes mins

Cook Time 10 minutes mins

Total Time 30 minutes mins

Servings: 4 servings

Course: Salads

Cuisine: American

Calories: 350

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

  

• 1/4 cup olive oil
• 1/4 cup canola oil
• 1 tsp lemon zest
• 3 1/2 tbsp fresh lemon juice
• 2 tbsp honey
• 2 tbsp peeled and grated ginger
• 1 clove garlic
• 1 tsp dijon mustard (Emeril's is the only way to go)
• 1/4 - 1/2 tsp salt to taste
• 12 wonton wrappers, sliced into 1/2-inch thick strips
• Vegetable oil for frying
• Cinnamon
• 1 lb boneless skinless chicken breast, grilled and sliced
• 1 cup sliced almonds, toasted
• 10 oz baby spinach
• 2 cups snow peas, sliced into halves
• 1 1/2 cups matchstick carrots
• 1 red bell pepper, seeded and diced
• 1 1/2 (15 oz) mandarin oranges (no sugar added), drained well
• 1/2 cup cilantro, stems removed
• Black and white sesame seeds, for garnish (optional)

Equipment

• Skillet
• Grater
• Chef's Knife
• Blender
• Peeler
• Wooden Spoon
• Cutting Board

Method

 

1. Begin by making the dressing. Add all the ingredients - olive oil, canola oil, lemon zest, lemon juice, honey, ginger, garlic, dijon mustard, and salt - into a blender. Pulse until well emulsified, making sure the ginger and garlic are finely minced. This dressing is the heart of your salad, so take your time to blend until everything's incorporated smoothly.
2. Next, pour the dressing into an airtight container and allow it to rest in the refrigerator while you prepare the salad. This resting time lets the flavors meld beautifully. Don’t forget to shake or stir it again before adding to the salad!
3. Heat about 3/4 to 1-inch of vegetable oil in a skillet to about 360 degrees. Maintaining this temperature is key for frying the wonton strips. Adjust the heat as necessary, ensuring the oil is hot but not smoking.
4. Carefully add just enough wonton strips to the hot oil without overcrowding the pan. Fry them until they’re halfway cooked, then use metal tongs to rotate them to the opposite side. Continue cooking until they're lightly golden brown. This step creates the perfect crispy treat!
5. Once done, remove the fried wonton strips and drain them on a plate lined with paper towels. Immediately sprinkle them lightly with cinnamon and salt before they cool and dry completely. The warm wontons will absorb the flavors beautifully.
6. In a large salad bowl, combine the baby spinach, snow peas, matchstick carrots, red bell pepper, mandarin oranges, and cilantro. Toss gently to mix all the ingredients together. The colors in this bowl are so inviting!
7. Drizzle the prepared dressing over the salad, using as much or as little as you like. Toss again gently to coat all the ingredients evenly in this flavorful dressing. It’s the vibrant colors and fresh flavors that make this salad so appealing.
8. Top each serving with the desired amount of fried wonton strips for that essential crunch. Don’t forget to sprinkle some black and white sesame seeds on top for an extra touch of elegance!
9. Serve the salad immediately, enjoying the crispy wontons alongside the fresh ingredients. This salad is best enjoyed fresh, so gather your loved ones and dig in!

Notes

• Tip 1: If using canned mandarin oranges, make sure they're packed in juice and drained well.

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Meet Molly Brooks

I love mixing nostalgic flavors with fun, fresh twists. My goal is to make cooking the best part of your day. I loved making this recipe, and I hope it becomes a new favorite in your home!