Citrus Romaine Salad with Sweet Mandarin Oranges
This vibrant Citrus Romaine Salad is a delightful addition to any meal, especially barbecues and picnic gatherings. Bursting with the sweet and juicy flavor of mandarin oranges, it combines the fresh crunch of romaine lettuce and the sharpness of red onion, all brought together with a creamy dressing made from Miracle Whip and tangy cider vinegar. Perfect for a light side dish or a refreshing summer salad, this easy-to-make recipe requires only four main ingredients, making it an ideal choice for busy cooks. Serve it chilled for a crisp finish that everyone will love!
N/A
Servings
85
Calories
7
Ingredients
Ingredients
Romaine lettuce
10 cups (Prewashed and torn into bite-sized pieces)
Miracle Whip (light) or mayonnaise
1/2 cup (Smooth dressing base)
Red onion
1 small (Sliced into rings)
Mandarin oranges
1 (15-ounce) can (Drained, juice reserved)
Onion powder
1/4 teaspoon (Ground spice)
Garlic powder
1/4 teaspoon (Ground spice)
Cider vinegar
1 tablespoon (Acid for dressing)
Instructions
1
Begin by tearing the prewashed romaine lettuce into bite-sized pieces and place them in a large salad bowl.
2
Open the can of mandarin oranges, draining the liquid but setting aside 2 tablespoons of the juice for later use.
3
In a mixing bowl, combine the reserved mandarin orange juice, cider vinegar, onion powder, and garlic powder. Stir in the Miracle Whip until the dressing is smooth and well-mixed.
4
Add the drained mandarin oranges and sliced red onion to the bowl of lettuce, ensuring even distribution.
5
Pour the creamy dressing over the salad and gently toss everything together until the lettuce and fruits are evenly coated.
6
Serve immediately for the best texture and flavor, or chill for up to 30 minutes before serving if desired.
Nutrition Information
5g
Fat
9g
Carbs
1g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Citrus Romaine Salad with Sweet Mandarin Oranges?
It is a vibrant and refreshing salad featuring crisp romaine lettuce, sweet mandarin oranges, and a tangy, creamy dressing.
Is this salad easy to make?
Yes, it is an easy-to-make recipe with only four main ingredients and simple preparation steps.
What are the main ingredients in this recipe?
The main ingredients are romaine lettuce, mandarin oranges, red onion, and a dressing made with Miracle Whip and cider vinegar.
Can I use mayonnaise instead of Miracle Whip?
Yes, you can use either light Miracle Whip or mayonnaise as the base for the dressing.
What kind of lettuce is best for this salad?
Romaine lettuce is recommended for its fresh crunch and ability to hold the creamy dressing.
How do I prepare the romaine lettuce?
The lettuce should be prewashed and then torn into bite-sized pieces before being placed in a large salad bowl.
Do I need to save the juice from the canned mandarin oranges?
Yes, you should reserve 2 tablespoons of the mandarin orange juice to use in the salad dressing.
What type of vinegar is used in the dressing?
The recipe calls for one tablespoon of cider vinegar to provide a tangy flavor.
What spices are added to the dressing?
The dressing is seasoned with 1/4 teaspoon each of onion powder and garlic powder.
How should the red onion be prepared?
One small red onion should be sliced into thin rings for the salad.
Can I use fresh mandarin oranges instead of canned?
While canned oranges are specified for convenience and their juice, you can use fresh segments if you have orange juice on hand for the dressing.
Is this salad suitable for outdoor gatherings?
Yes, it is a perfect addition to barbecues, picnics, and summer gatherings.
Can this salad be made ahead of time?
While it is best served immediately, you can chill it for up to 30 minutes before serving.
How many calories are in a serving of this salad?
Each serving contains approximately 85 calories.
What is the fat content per serving?
There are 5 grams of fat per serving.
How many carbohydrates are in this recipe?
Each serving contains about 9 grams of carbohydrates.
Does this salad provide any protein?
Yes, there is approximately 1 gram of protein per serving.
How many cups of lettuce are required?
The recipe requires 10 cups of torn romaine lettuce.
What size can of mandarin oranges should I buy?
You will need one 15-ounce can of mandarin oranges.
Is this recipe vegetarian?
Yes, the ingredients listed are vegetarian-friendly.
Can I make this salad vegan?
To make it vegan, simply substitute the Miracle Whip or mayonnaise with a vegan-certified creamy dressing base.
What is the texture of the salad?
The salad offers a crisp crunch from the romaine and onions, combined with juicy orange segments and a smooth, creamy dressing.
Is this salad considered a side dish or a main course?
It is primarily served as a light side dish or a refreshing fruit-based salad.
How do I mix the dressing?
Combine the reserved orange juice, cider vinegar, onion powder, and garlic powder, then stir in the Miracle Whip until smooth.
How do I ensure the salad is evenly coated?
Pour the dressing over the lettuce and fruits and gently toss everything together until evenly distributed.
Can I use white vinegar instead of cider vinegar?
You can, but cider vinegar is preferred for its milder, fruitier acidity that complements the oranges.
Is this a low-calorie recipe?
At 85 calories per serving, it is a relatively light and healthy side dish option.
What type of cuisine does this recipe fit into?
While tagged as Cajun cuisine, its flavor profile makes it a versatile American-style picnic salad.
Should the mandarin oranges be drained?
Yes, the oranges should be drained, but remember to save 2 tablespoons of the liquid first.
What is the best way to serve the salad?
Serve it chilled in a large bowl to maintain the crispness of the lettuce and the refreshing temperature of the fruit.