Citrus Almond Delight Salad
Experience a burst of flavor with our Citrus Almond Delight Salad. This refreshing salad features crisp romaine lettuce tossed with succulent mandarin oranges and vibrant green onions, all topped with sweet, caramelized almonds. The flavorful vinaigrette, crafted from red wine vinegar and olive oil, adds a tangy kick that perfectly complements the sweetness of the oranges. Perfect for a light lunch or as a side dish for dinner, this salad is a delightful balance of textures and tastes that will brighten your table any time of year.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
10
Ingredients
Ingredients
Romaine Lettuce
1 head (chopped, washed, and dried)
Mandarin Oranges
2 (11 ounce) cans (drained)
Green Onions
6 long stems (finely chopped)
Sliced Almonds
1/2 cup (toasted with sugar)
Sugar
2 tablespoons (for caramelizing almonds)
Red Wine Vinegar
1/4 cup (none)
Olive Oil
1/2 cup (none)
Additional Sugar
1 tablespoon (for dressing)
Red Pepper Flakes
1/8 teaspoon (none)
Fresh Ground Black Pepper
to taste (none)
Instructions
1
In a large mixing bowl, combine the chopped romaine lettuce, drained mandarin oranges, and finely chopped green onions. Gently toss to mix the ingredients evenly.
2
In a medium skillet over medium heat, add the sliced almonds and sugar. Stir continuously until the sugar melts and coats the almonds, then continue to cook until the almonds turn golden brown. Be careful not to burn them. This should take about 3-5 minutes.
3
Once the almonds are browned, transfer them to a plate to cool while you prepare the dressing.
4
In a separate jar or bowl, combine the red wine vinegar, olive oil, additional sugar, red pepper flakes, and a few grinds of fresh black pepper. Seal the jar and shake vigorously until all ingredients are well combined.
5
Pour the dressing over the salad mixture and toss gently to ensure everything is evenly coated.
6
Just before serving, sprinkle the cooled sugared almonds on top for an added crunch.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the primary ingredients in the Citrus Almond Delight Salad?
The main ingredients include romaine lettuce, mandarin oranges, green onions, and sliced almonds.
How should the romaine lettuce be prepared for this recipe?
The romaine lettuce should be chopped, thoroughly washed, and dried before assembly.
How many cans of mandarin oranges are needed?
You will need two 11-ounce cans of mandarin oranges, which should be drained.
What is the process for preparing the almonds?
Sliced almonds are cooked in a skillet over medium heat with sugar until they are golden brown and caramelized.
How long does it take to caramelize the almonds?
Caramelizing the almonds typically takes about 3 to 5 minutes.
What ingredients make up the salad dressing?
The dressing is made from red wine vinegar, olive oil, sugar, red pepper flakes, and fresh ground black pepper.
What type of vinegar is used in the vinaigrette?
This recipe specifically calls for red wine vinegar to provide a tangy kick.
Is the Citrus Almond Delight Salad spicy?
It has a very mild heat due to the addition of 1/8 teaspoon of red pepper flakes in the dressing.
How many green onions are required?
The recipe requires six long stems of green onions, finely chopped.
When should I add the sugared almonds to the salad?
Sprinkle the cooled sugared almonds on top just before serving to ensure they remain crunchy.
How do I ensure the almonds don't burn while cooking?
Stir the almonds and sugar continuously over medium heat and watch them closely as they brown quickly.
What is the best way to combine the dressing ingredients?
Combine the ingredients in a jar, seal it, and shake vigorously until well mixed.
Can this salad be served as a main meal?
Yes, it is described as perfect for a light lunch, though it also works well as a side dish.
What oil is recommended for the dressing?
The recipe recommends using 1/2 cup of olive oil.
Should the mandarin oranges be fresh or canned?
The recipe specifies using canned mandarin oranges that have been drained.
How much sugar is used for caramelizing the almonds?
Two tablespoons of sugar are used specifically for the almond caramelization process.
Is there sugar in the salad dressing itself?
Yes, one tablespoon of additional sugar is included in the dressing mixture.
What should I do with the almonds after browning them?
Transfer them to a plate to cool completely before adding them to the salad.
How do I mix the salad base?
In a large bowl, combine the lettuce, oranges, and onions, and toss gently to mix evenly.
What is the flavor profile of the vinaigrette?
The vinaigrette is tangy and flavorful, designed to complement the sweetness of the oranges.
Can I use ground black pepper?
Yes, the recipe suggests fresh ground black pepper to taste.
Is this salad considered a healthy option?
Yes, it is tagged as a healthy, refreshing salad and a veggie-based side dish.
How many total ingredients are in this recipe?
There are a total of 10 ingredients required for this salad and its dressing.
What textures can I expect from this salad?
The salad offers a mix of crisp lettuce, succulent oranges, and crunchy caramelized almonds.
Is this salad suitable for a dinner party?
Yes, its vibrant colors and balanced flavors make it a delightful addition to any dinner table.
Does the recipe require any specialized cooking equipment?
You only need a large mixing bowl, a medium skillet, and a jar for shaking the dressing.
How much red pepper flakes should I add?
The recipe calls for 1/8 teaspoon of red pepper flakes.
Can I prepare the dressing in a bowl instead of a jar?
Yes, you can whisk the ingredients together in a bowl if you do not have a jar.
What kind of almonds are used?
The recipe specifies 1/2 cup of sliced almonds.
Is the salad dressing pre-made or homemade?
The dressing is homemade, crafted from oil, vinegar, and spices as part of the recipe.