Sweet Spinach Salad with Mandarin Oranges
A fresh and vibrant spinach salad with sweet mandarin oranges, creamy goat cheese, crunchy almonds, and a tangy balsamic dressing.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Salad
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
For the salad:
- 1/2 cup goat cheese
- 1/2 cup almonds (toasted)
- 1/4 cup red onion (thinly sliced)
- 10 oz baby spinach
- 15 oz mandarin oranges (drained and patted dry)
- 1/2 cup dried cranberries
For the dressing:
- Salt
- Pepper
- 1/2 cup olive oil
- 2 teaspoons Dijon mustard
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 1/4 cup balsamic vinegar
Instructions
1. Heat a dry skillet over medium heat and toast almonds for 4–6 minutes until fragrant and lightly golden. Transfer to a plate, cool, and chop.
2. Thinly slice red onion and place in a bowl with a pinch of salt. Pat mandarin oranges dry, crumble goat cheese, and measure cranberries.
3. In a bowl, whisk together Dijon mustard, honey, and balsamic vinegar. Slowly drizzle in olive oil while whisking to emulsify. Season with salt and pepper.
4. In a large bowl, combine spinach, almonds, red onion, mandarin oranges, goat cheese, and cranberries.
5. Drizzle dressing over salad and toss gently until evenly coated. Serve immediately.
Notes
Drying the oranges helps prevent a watery salad.
Use fresh baby spinach for best flavor and texture.
Adjust sweetness and acidity in the dressing to taste.
Toss gently to avoid bruising the spinach leaves.