Mandarin Spinach Salad with Poppy Seed Dressing
Bright, zesty, and bursting with vibrant flavors, this Mandarin Spinach Salad with Poppy Seed Dressing is a refreshing dish that's perfect for any occasion. Tender baby spinach leaves are paired with juicy mandarin oranges, thinly sliced red onion, and crunchy sliced almonds, creating the ultimate balance of sweet, savory, and nutty textures. The pièce de résistance is the homemade poppy seed dressing—a delightful blend of olive oil, apple cider vinegar, honey, Dijon mustard, and a sprinkling of poppy seeds—that ties all the ingredients together in perfect harmony. Ready in just 15 minutes, this no-cook salad is ideal for busy weeknights or as a stunning side dish for gatherings. Packed with nutrients and so easy to prepare, this salad is a feast for both the eyes and the palate.
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 6 cups fresh baby spinach
- 2 cups mandarin oranges
- 0.25 cup red onion
- 0.5 cup sliced almonds
- 0.25 cup olive oil
- 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 1 teaspoon poppy seeds
- 0.5 teaspoon salt
- 0.25 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
Wash and thoroughly dry the baby spinach leaves, then place them in a large salad bowl.
Peel and segment the mandarin oranges (or use canned mandarin oranges, drained) and add them to the salad bowl.
Thinly slice the red onion and add it to the bowl along with the sliced almonds.
In a small bowl or a mason jar, combine olive oil, apple cider vinegar, honey, Dijon mustard, poppy seeds, salt, and black pepper.
Whisk the dressing ingredients together until smooth and emulsified, or shake them vigorously in the mason jar to combine.
Drizzle the poppy seed dressing over the salad right before serving, and toss gently to coat evenly.
Serve immediately and enjoy your fresh mandarin spinach salad!
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
1282 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 93.8 g | 120% | |
| Saturated Fat | 11.2 g | 56% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 5.3 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 0 mg | 0% | |
| Sodium | 1405 mg | 61% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 104.8 g | 38% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 19.6 g | 70% | |
| Total Sugars | 76.2 g | ||
| Protein | 21.3 g | 43% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.0 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 514 mg | 40% | |
| Iron | 7.3 mg | 41% | |
| Potassium | 1905 mg | 41% | |
*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.
