Looking for a vibrant and refreshing salad that will tantalize your taste buds and brighten up your meal? Look no further than this delightful Mandarin Orange Salad with Poppy Seed Vinaigrette! Bursting with the sweet tang of juicy mandarin oranges, crunchy pecans, and creamy feta cheese, this salad is not only a feast for the eyes but also a symphony of flavors that will leave you craving more. Perfect for a light lunch or as a stunning side dish at your next gathering, this recipe comes together in just 15 minutes. Dive in to discover how easy it is to whip up this deliciously satisfying salad that’s sure to impress!
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: -
Total Time: 15 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 4 cups mixed greens
- 1 can mandarin oranges, drained
- 1/2 cup red onion, thinly sliced
- 1/4 cup pecans, chopped
- 1/4 cup feta cheese, crumbled
- 2 tablespoons poppy seeds
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
- 1 tablespoon honey
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Begin by preparing all your ingredients. Rinse the mixed greens thoroughly under cold water and spin them dry in a salad spinner or gently pat them with paper towels to remove excess moisture.
- In a medium bowl, combine the drained mandarin oranges, thinly sliced red onion, chopped pecans, and crumbled feta cheese. Gently toss these ingredients together to mix them evenly.
- In a separate small bowl, prepare the poppy seed vinaigrette. Add the olive oil, apple cider vinegar, honey, and poppy seeds. Whisk together until the mixture is well combined and emulsified. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- In a large salad bowl, add the mixed greens. Pour the poppy seed vinaigrette over the greens and toss gently to coat the leaves evenly.
- Add the mandarin orange mixture on top of the dressed greens. Gently toss again to combine all the ingredients without breaking the mandarin oranges.
- Once everything is mixed, taste the salad and adjust the seasoning with additional salt and pepper if necessary.
- Serve the salad immediately on individual plates or in a large serving bowl. Enjoy your refreshing Mandarin Orange Salad with Poppy Seed Vinaigrette!
Tips
- Prep Ahead: To save time, you can wash and dry your mixed greens and slice the red onion in advance. Just store them in airtight containers in the refrigerator until you're ready to assemble the salad.
- Experiment with Greens: While mixed greens are fantastic, feel free to get creative! Try adding spinach, arugula, or even kale for a different flavor and texture.
- Customize Your Vinaigrette: If you prefer a sweeter dressing, add a bit more honey. For a tangier kick, increase the apple cider vinegar. Adjust the ingredients to suit your taste!
- Chill Your Salad: For an extra refreshing experience, chill your salad bowl in the refrigerator before serving. This keeps the greens crisp and cool.
- Add Protein: To make this salad a complete meal, consider adding grilled chicken, shrimp, or chickpeas for added protein.
- Serve Fresh: This salad is best enjoyed fresh, so try to serve it right after tossing to maintain the crispness of the greens and the integrity of the mandarin oranges.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 250kcal
Carbohydrates: 15g
Protein: 6g
Fat: 20g
Saturated Fat: 4g
Cholesterol: 10mg
