Citrus Crunch Delight Salad
Experience a vibrant medley of flavors and textures in this Citrus Crunch Delight Salad. Crisp romaine and iceberg lettuce serve as a refreshing base, while the addition of crunchy caramelized almonds adds a sweet and nutty contrast. The bright and slightly tangy dressing, made from apple cider vinegar and sugar, perfectly complements the zesty burst of mandarin oranges, making every bite a delightful experience. This salad is a crowd-pleaser, often requested at gatherings for its unique combination of sweetness and crunch. Enjoy it as a light lunch or serve it as a stunning side dish at dinner parties.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
13
Ingredients
Ingredients
vegetable oil
1/2 cup (none)
cider vinegar
1/4 cup (none)
sugar
1/4 cup (none)
fresh parsley, finely chopped
2 tablespoons (chopped)
salt
1 teaspoon (none)
hot pepper sauce
1/4 teaspoon (none)
sliced almonds
1 cup (none)
sugar (for almonds)
1/3 cup (none)
iceberg lettuce
1 head (chopped)
romaine lettuce
1 head (chopped)
celery, chopped
2 cups (chopped)
mandarin oranges
2 (11 ounce) cans (drained)
red onion, thinly sliced
1 cup (sliced)
Instructions
1
In a jar, combine vegetable oil, cider vinegar, sugar, parsley, salt, and hot pepper sauce. Shake well until mixed and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow flavors to meld.
2
In a small, dry pan over medium heat, combine sliced almonds with 1/3 cup sugar. Stir frequently until the sugar melts and begins to caramelize, and the almonds are lightly toasted. Be careful not to burn them.
3
Transfer the almond mixture to a metal bowl and let it cool completely to room temperature. Once cooled, break up any clumps, and store covered at room temperature if not using immediately.
4
Just before serving, place the chopped iceberg and romaine lettuce into a large salad bowl.
5
Add the chopped celery, drained mandarin oranges, sliced red onion, and caramelized almonds into the salad bowl.
6
Remove the dressing from the refrigerator, shake it well to recombine, and pour over the salad mixture.
7
Toss everything gently to ensure an even coating of dressing throughout the salad. Serve immediately to maintain the freshness and crunch.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Citrus Crunch Delight Salad?
It is a vibrant salad featuring crisp romaine and iceberg lettuce, crunchy caramelized almonds, and a tangy apple cider vinegar dressing.
What types of lettuce are used in this recipe?
The recipe calls for one head of iceberg lettuce and one head of romaine lettuce.
How do I make the caramelized almonds?
Combine sliced almonds with 1/3 cup sugar in a small pan over medium heat, stirring until the sugar melts and the almonds are toasted.
Can I make the salad dressing in advance?
Yes, the dressing should be made and refrigerated for at least 30 minutes before serving to allow flavors to meld.
What kind of vinegar is best for the dressing?
The recipe specifically recommends using cider vinegar.
Is this salad suitable for vegetarians?
Yes, all the ingredients listed are vegetarian-friendly.
How much vegetable oil is needed for the dressing?
You will need 1/2 cup of vegetable oil.
Are the mandarin oranges fresh or canned?
The recipe uses two 11-ounce cans of mandarin oranges, which should be drained before adding.
What gives the salad its spicy kick?
A 1/4 teaspoon of hot pepper sauce is added to the dressing for a slight tang and heat.
How should I prepare the red onion?
The red onion should be thinly sliced before being added to the salad bowl.
How do I prevent the caramelized almonds from burning?
Stir the mixture frequently and keep the heat at medium, removing from heat as soon as they are lightly toasted.
What should I do after the almonds are caramelized?
Transfer them to a metal bowl to cool completely and break up any clumps once they have hardened.
Can I store the caramelized almonds if I'm not using them immediately?
Yes, once cooled, they can be stored covered at room temperature.
When should I add the dressing to the salad?
Pour the dressing over the salad just before serving to maintain the freshness and crunch.
How much celery is required?
The recipe calls for 2 cups of chopped celery.
Is there fresh herbs in this salad?
Yes, it includes 2 tablespoons of finely chopped fresh parsley.
Do I need to shake the dressing again after refrigeration?
Yes, shake the jar well to recombine the ingredients before pouring over the salad.
Is this a good dish for parties?
Absolutely, it is described as a crowd-pleaser and a stunning side dish for dinner parties.
How much sugar is used in the dressing?
The dressing itself contains 1/4 cup of sugar.
How many sliced almonds are needed?
The recipe requires 1 cup of sliced almonds.
Should the salad be tossed?
Yes, toss everything gently after adding the dressing to ensure an even coating.
What is the texture of the salad?
It is very crunchy due to the fresh celery, lettuce, and caramelized nuts.
Can I substitute the almonds for another nut?
While the recipe calls for almonds, you could likely use pecans or walnuts using the same caramelization process.
Is there salt in the recipe?
Yes, one teaspoon of salt is added to the dressing.
How many total ingredients are in this recipe?
There are 13 ingredients in total.
What type of container should the dressing be mixed in?
A jar is recommended so that you can easily shake the ingredients together.
Should the mandarin oranges be rinsed?
The instructions specify they should be drained, but rinsing is not mentioned.
Is the salad served cold?
Yes, the chilled dressing and fresh lettuce make it a refreshing cold dish.
Can I add protein like chicken to this salad?
While not in the recipe, it would make a great addition for a more filling meal.
How long does it take for the almonds to cool?
They should be left until they reach room temperature, which usually takes about 10 to 15 minutes.