Brighten up your table with this delightful Mandarin Orange Salad with Warm Poppy Seed Dressing—a perfect balance of sweet, tangy, and savory flavors! Featuring a refreshing mix of crisp salad greens, juicy mandarin orange segments, and the delicate bite of thinly sliced red onion, this salad is elevated by a luscious, homemade warm poppy seed dressing. The dressing, a harmonious blend of honey, white wine vinegar, Dijon mustard, and olive oil, is gently heated to enhance its rich, velvety texture and flavor. Toasted slivered almonds add a nutty crunch as the finishing touch, making every bite irresistible. Ready in just 15 minutes, this salad is ideal for a quick yet elegant side dish or a light lunch. Perfect for occasions ranging from casual meals to festive gatherings, it’s a surefire way to impress guests with fresh, vibrant ingredients.
In a large salad bowl, combine the mixed salad greens, mandarin orange segments, and thinly sliced red onion. Toss gently to mix evenly.
Toast the slivered almonds in a dry skillet over medium heat for 3-4 minutes, stirring frequently, until they are lightly browned and fragrant. Remove from heat and allow to cool slightly.
To prepare the warm poppy seed dressing, combine the honey, white wine vinegar, Dijon mustard, poppy seeds, salt, and ground black pepper in a small saucepan over low heat.
Whisk the ingredients together while gradually drizzling in the olive oil. Continue whisking for 2-3 minutes, ensuring the dressing is warmed through and emulsified. Do not let it boil.
Pour the warm dressing over the salad and toss gently to coat all the ingredients evenly.
Sprinkle the toasted slivered almonds on top as a garnish, and serve immediately.
Calories |
1220 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 79.4 g | 102% | |
| Saturated Fat | 10.5 g | 52% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 5.5 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 0 mg | 0% | |
| Sodium | 814 mg | 35% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 125.8 g | 46% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 16.0 g | 57% | |
| Total Sugars | 99.7 g | ||
| Protein | 16.3 g | 33% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.0 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 450 mg | 35% | |
| Iron | 5.6 mg | 31% | |
| Potassium | 1696 mg | 36% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.