Citrus Spinach Bliss Salad
Indulge in this delightful Citrus Spinach Bliss Salad, a vibrant medley featuring tender spinach, crunchy romaine, and succulent mandarin oranges. This salad is not only visually stunning, with the bright orange orbs stunningly contrasting the lush greens, but it also offers an incredible balance of flavors thanks to a perfectly crafted sweet, sour, and slightly spicy dressing. Topped with caramelized glazed almonds for an added crunch, this dish is ideal for gatherings, potlucks, or a refreshing side for any meal. Having first crafted this recipe in culinary school, I have perfected it over time to impress guests while delivering a satisfying and healthy option.
4-6 servings
Servings
120
Calories
14
Ingredients
Ingredients
Oil
1/3 cup (none)
Sugar (for dressing)
1/4 cup (none)
White vinegar
1/4 cup (none)
Chopped fresh parsley
1 tablespoon (freshly chopped)
Salt
1/2 teaspoon (none)
Hot pepper sauce
1/2 teaspoon (more or less to taste, such as Tabasco)
Black pepper
1 dash (none)
Sliced almonds
1/2 cup (for glazing)
Sugar (for almonds)
3 tablespoons (none)
Torn romaine lettuce
4 cups (torn into pieces)
Torn spinach leaves
4 cups (torn into pieces)
Sliced celery
1 cup (sliced)
Sliced green onion
1 cup (sliced)
Mandarin oranges
1 (11 ounce) can (drained)
Instructions
1
In a jar with a tight-fitting lid, combine the oil, sugar, white vinegar, chopped parsley, salt, hot pepper sauce, and black pepper. Secure the lid and shake vigorously until all ingredients are well mixed. Refrigerate the dressing for at least 1 hour to allow the flavors to meld.
2
In a skillet, combine the sliced almonds and sugar over medium-low heat. Cook while stirring frequently until the sugar melts and coats the almonds evenly. Transfer to a plate to cool and break apart once hardened.
3
In a large mixing bowl, add the torn romaine, torn spinach leaves, sliced celery, sliced green onion, and drained mandarin oranges. Toss gently to combine all the ingredients.
4
Just before serving, drizzle the chilled dressing over the salad and toss lightly to ensure everything is well coated. Top with the caramelized glazed almonds for a final touch of sweetness and crunch.
Nutrition Information
8g
Fat
10g
Carbs
2g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Citrus Spinach Bliss Salad?
Citrus Spinach Bliss Salad is a vibrant medley featuring tender spinach, crunchy romaine, and succulent mandarin oranges, topped with caramelized glazed almonds and a sweet, sour, and slightly spicy dressing.
What greens are used in this recipe?
The recipe uses 4 cups of torn romaine lettuce and 4 cups of torn spinach leaves.
How do I make the salad dressing?
In a jar with a tight-fitting lid, combine oil, sugar, white vinegar, chopped parsley, salt, hot pepper sauce, and black pepper, then shake vigorously.
How long should the dressing be refrigerated?
The dressing should be refrigerated for at least 1 hour to allow the flavors to meld.
How do I glaze the almonds for this salad?
Combine sliced almonds and sugar in a skillet over medium-low heat. Stir frequently until the sugar melts and coats the almonds evenly, then cool on a plate.
Is the Citrus Spinach Bliss Salad vegetarian?
Yes, this recipe is tagged as vegetarian and contains no meat products.
How many calories are in one serving?
There are approximately 120 calories per serving.
What fruits are included in the salad?
The salad features one 11-ounce can of drained mandarin oranges.
How many servings does this recipe yield?
This recipe makes 4 to 6 servings.
What kind of vinegar is recommended for the dressing?
The recipe specifically calls for white vinegar.
Is this salad spicy?
It has a slight kick from 1/2 teaspoon of hot pepper sauce (like Tabasco), which can be adjusted to taste.
When should I add the dressing to the salad?
Drizzle the dressing over the salad just before serving and toss lightly to ensure the greens stay crisp.
How much fat is in this salad?
Each serving contains approximately 8 grams of fat.
Does this salad provide any protein?
Yes, it contains 2 grams of protein per serving.
What other vegetables are added for crunch?
The recipe includes 1 cup of sliced celery and 1 cup of sliced green onions for added texture.
What type of almonds should I use?
The recipe calls for 1/2 cup of sliced almonds.
How many ingredients are in this recipe?
There are a total of 14 ingredients in this recipe.
How much sugar is used in the dressing?
The dressing requires 1/4 cup of sugar.
How much sugar is needed for the almond glaze?
You will need 3 tablespoons of sugar to glaze the almonds.
Can I use fresh parsley?
Yes, the recipe specifically recommends 1 tablespoon of freshly chopped parsley.
How should the lettuce and spinach be prepared?
Both the romaine and spinach leaves should be torn into pieces.
What is the carbohydrate count per serving?
Each serving contains approximately 10 grams of carbohydrates.
Is this salad good for potlucks?
Yes, it is described as ideal for gatherings and potlucks.
How do I prevent the caramelized almonds from sticking together?
After glazing, transfer them to a plate to cool and break them apart manually once they have hardened.
What is the flavor profile of the dressing?
The dressing is a perfectly crafted balance of sweet, sour, and slightly spicy flavors.
Who created this recipe?
The recipe was originally crafted in culinary school and perfected over time to impress guests.
How is the celery prepared?
The celery should be sliced into 1 cup portions before being added to the mix.
Can I adjust the amount of hot pepper sauce?
Yes, you can use more or less than the suggested 1/2 teaspoon to suit your taste preference.
Is the Citrus Spinach Bliss Salad considered a healthy option?
Yes, it is described as a satisfying and healthy option, featuring fresh greens and fruit.
What should I do with the mandarin oranges before adding them?
You should drain the 11-ounce can of mandarin oranges before adding them to the salad.