Spinach Salad with Mandarin Oranges
User Reviews
5
Spinach Salad with Mandarin Oranges
Description
The recipe includes making candied pecans by cooking chopped pecans with sugar until coated and cooled, providing a sweet crunch. Pre-washed baby spinach is tossed in poppyseed dressing, then layered with mandarin orange segments, pomegranate seeds, and blueberries. The candied pecans are sprinkled on top, adding a caramelized texture that complements the fresh fruit and leafy greens.
Sweetness from the fruit pairs with the creamy dressing, while the pecans add a buttery crunch. Pomegranate seeds provide bursts of tartness alongside the citrus notes from mandarin oranges. The salad is visually colorful and offers a mix of refreshing and richer elements.
This salad works well as a light lunch or side dish, especially during warmer seasons or festive occasions. Variations can include substituting the pomegranate seeds with fresh berries or adding dried fruits and cheeses for extra texture and flavor. Tossing spinach with other lettuces can bulk up the salad for larger servings.
Ingredients
- 6 cups baby spinach pre-washed
- 3/4 cup poppyseed dressing Brianna's
- 22 ounces mandarin orange 2 cans, drained
- 1/2 cup pomegranate seeds
- 1 cup blueberries
Candied Pecans
- 1/2 cup pecans chopped
- 1/3 cup sugar
Instructions
For the Candied Pecans:
- In a small skillet, cook the chopped pecans and sugar over medium heat over the stove. Stir constantly until the sugar melts and coats the pecans. Remove from heat and cool completely.
For the Salad:
- Toss the spinach in the poppyseed dressing, then sprinkle on all remaining ingredients.
Notes
- Substitute pomegranate seeds with fresh raspberries or strawberries seasonally.
- Add dried fruits like cranberries, raisins, or mango for varied texture and sweetness.
- Mix spinach with romaine or spring greens to increase salad volume when serving many people.
- Try toasted almonds in place of pecans for different nutty flavor.
- Add feta or goat cheese to enrich texture and taste.
Nutrition Information
Show DetailsNutrition Facts
Serving: 8Serving
Amount Per Serving
Calories 297 kcal
% Daily Value*
| Calories | 297kcal | 15% |
| Carbohydrates | 31g | 10% |
| Protein | 7g | 14% |
| Fat | 19g | 29% |
| Saturated Fat | 2g | 10% |
| Cholesterol | 6mg | 2% |
| Sodium | 299mg | 12% |
| Potassium | 1108mg | 24% |
| Fiber | 7g | 28% |
| Sugar | 21g | 42% |
| Vitamin A | 16675IU | 334% |
| Vitamin C | 54.4mg | 60% |
| Calcium | 192mg | 19% |
| Iron | 5.3mg | 29% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.
User Reviews
Overall Rating
5
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