Description
Spinach Mandarin Salad with Honey Balsamic Dressing is a vibrant and refreshing dish that combines the sweetness of juicy mandarins with the crispness of baby spinach. Enhanced by toasted almonds, tangy goat cheese, and sweet cranberries, this salad is perfect for any occasion—from a light lunch to a delightful dinner side. With its easy preparation in just 15 minutes, you can impress your guests or treat yourself to a nutritious meal without fuss. Drizzled with a homemade honey balsamic dressing, this salad elevates any dining experience with its colorful presentation and delicious flavors.
Ingredients
Scale
- 10 oz baby spinach
- 1 can mandarin oranges (approx. 15 oz) drained or 4 fresh mandarins, peeled and sectioned
- 1/4 cup red onion, thinly sliced
- 1/2 cup goat cheese crumbles
- 1/2 cup sliced almonds
- 1/2 cup dried cranberries
- 1/2 cup olive oil
- 1/4 cup balsamic vinegar
- 1–2 T honey
- 2 tsp Dijon mustard
- Sea salt and pepper
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F and spread sliced almonds on a baking sheet.
- Toast almonds for about 4-6 minutes until fragrant.
- In a mixing bowl, combine spinach, mandarins, red onion, goat cheese, toasted almonds, and cranberries.
- In another bowl, whisk together olive oil, balsamic vinegar, honey, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper until smooth.
- Just before serving, drizzle dressing over the salad and toss gently.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (150g)
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 14g
- Sodium: 120mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 22g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 10mg