Description
A refreshing and easy-to-make Spinach Mandarin Salad with a vibrant honey balsamic dressing that combines crisp spinach leaves, sweet mandarins, cherry tomatoes, crunchy almonds, and creamy plant-based feta cheese. Perfect as a light lunch, side dish, or healthy meal option full of bright flavors and wholesome ingredients.
Ingredients
Scale
Salad
- 4 cups fresh spinach leaves, washed and dried
- 2 cups mandarin orange segments, peeled
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved or quartered
- 1/4 cup sliced almonds, lightly toasted
- 1/3 cup plant-based feta cheese, crumbled
Honey Balsamic Dressing
- 2 tablespoons honey (natural)
- 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar (natural)
- 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard (natural)
- Salt, to taste
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 1/2 teaspoon natural gelling agent (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the fresh ingredients: Thoroughly wash the spinach leaves and cherry tomatoes under cool running water. Drain well and pat dry with a kitchen towel. Peel the mandarins carefully to keep whole segments intact. Slice the cherry tomatoes in halves or quarters according to preference.
- Mix the honey balsamic dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together honey (natural), balsamic vinegar (natural), extra virgin olive oil, and Dijon mustard (natural) until well combined. Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. For a slightly thicker texture, gently stir in the natural gelling agent until the dressing coats smoothly.
- Assemble the salad: In a large mixing bowl, combine the spinach leaves, mandarin segments, and cherry tomatoes. Drizzle the honey balsamic dressing evenly over the salad and toss gently to coat everything without bruising the delicate leaves.
- Add toppings: Sprinkle sliced almonds and crumbled plant-based feta cheese across the salad. Toss lightly one last time to distribute flavors evenly. Transfer the salad to a serving dish or individual plates and serve fresh.
Notes
- Use the freshest spinach and mandarins for the best flavor and texture.
- Taste the dressing before adding to the salad and adjust honey or balsamic vinegar to your preferred sweetness balance.
- Dry spinach leaves completely before tossing to avoid diluting the dressing.
- Lightly toast the almonds in a pan for enhanced crunch and flavor.
- Keep the salad chilled until serving to maintain crispness and freshness.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Appetizers
- Method: No-cook
- Cuisine: International
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 160
- Sugar: 12g
- Sodium: 180mg
- Fat: 11g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 14g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
Keywords: spinach salad, mandarin salad, honey balsamic dressing, plant-based salad, healthy salad, easy salad recipe, gluten free salad
