Crisp Pomegranate Mandarin Salad
This vibrant and refreshing salad combines the crunchy textures of fresh iceberg lettuce and celery with the sweetness of mandarin oranges and the juicy tartness of pomegranate seeds. Inspired by a classic Paula Deen recipe, this dish is perfect as a light starter or a side for any meal. The light oil-and-vinegar dressing complements the natural flavors of the ingredients, while a drizzle of balsamic vinegar adds a gourmet touch. Ideal for any occasion, this salad is as delightful to the eyes as it is to the palate!
4
Servings
63
Calories
7
Ingredients
Ingredients
Iceberg lettuce
2 cups (torn into bite-sized pieces)
Green onion
1 (finely chopped)
Celery ribs
2 (chopped)
Pomegranate seeds
1/2 cup
Mandarin orange sections
1/2 cup (chopped)
Light oil-and-vinegar dressing
1/2 cup (or as needed)
Balsamic vinegar
1/4 cup
Instructions
1
In a large salad bowl, combine the torn iceberg lettuce, chopped celery ribs, and finely chopped green onion. Toss together until well mixed.
2
Add the pomegranate seeds and mandarin orange sections to the salad, gently folding them in to incorporate the flavors.
3
Drizzle the salad with the light oil-and-vinegar dressing, adjusting the amount to your taste preference.
4
Finish by drizzling the balsamic vinegar over the top for an extra burst of flavor.
5
Toss the salad lightly to combine all ingredients, ensuring the dressing evenly coats the salad.
6
Serve immediately and enjoy the fresh, delightful flavors!
Nutrition Information
3g
Fat
7.5g
Carbs
0.75g
Protein
1.25g
Fiber
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Crisp Pomegranate Mandarin Salad?
It is a vibrant and refreshing salad that combines crunchy iceberg lettuce and celery with sweet mandarin oranges and tart pomegranate seeds, inspired by a classic Paula Deen recipe.
What are the main ingredients for this salad?
The ingredients include iceberg lettuce, green onion, celery ribs, pomegranate seeds, mandarin orange sections, light oil-and-vinegar dressing, and balsamic vinegar.
How many servings does this recipe yield?
This recipe is designed to make 4 servings.
What is the calorie count per serving?
Each serving contains approximately 63 calories.
How much fat is in one serving of this salad?
There are 3 grams of fat per serving.
What are the carbohydrate and protein counts?
Each serving contains 7.5 grams of carbohydrates and 0.75 grams of protein.
How much fiber is in the Crisp Pomegranate Mandarin Salad?
The salad provides 1.25 grams of fiber per serving.
What type of lettuce is best for this recipe?
The recipe calls for iceberg lettuce torn into bite-sized pieces to provide a crisp and crunchy texture.
How many celery ribs are needed?
You will need 2 celery ribs, which should be chopped before adding them to the bowl.
How should the green onion be prepared?
The green onion should be finely chopped.
What kind of dressing is used in this recipe?
The salad uses 1/2 cup of light oil-and-vinegar dressing and 1/4 cup of balsamic vinegar.
When should I add the balsamic vinegar?
The balsamic vinegar should be drizzled over the top of the salad as a finishing touch for an extra burst of flavor.
How do I incorporate the mandarin oranges and pomegranate seeds?
You should gently fold the pomegranate seeds and chopped mandarin orange sections into the lettuce mixture to incorporate the flavors without bruising the fruit.
Is this salad intended to be served cold?
Yes, it is a fresh green salad that should be served immediately after tossing for the best texture.
Can I adjust the amount of dressing?
Yes, you can adjust the amount of light oil-and-vinegar dressing to your personal taste preference.
What category does this recipe belong to?
This recipe is categorized under Greens.
How many total ingredients are required?
There are 7 ingredients in total for this recipe.
Is this recipe easy to prepare?
Yes, it is tagged as an easy recipe and involves simple tossing and folding of ingredients.
What makes this salad 'gourmet'?
The addition of a balsamic vinegar drizzle adds a gourmet touch and complements the natural flavors of the fruits.
Can I use this as a main dish?
While it is perfect as a light starter or side dish, you could potentially add a protein to make it a light main.
Is the mandarin orange preparation specific?
Yes, the 1/2 cup of mandarin orange sections should be chopped before being added to the salad.
What are the primary flavor profiles of this dish?
The flavor profile is a mix of sweetness from the oranges, tartness from the pomegranates, and a savory crunch from the lettuce and celery.
Who is the inspiration behind this salad?
The recipe is inspired by a classic Paula Deen recipe.
Are there any specific serving size details?
The serving size is not specifically defined by weight, but the total recipe is divided into 4 portions.
What is the first step in the instructions?
The first step is to combine the torn iceberg lettuce, chopped celery ribs, and finely chopped green onion in a large salad bowl.
How do I ensure the dressing is evenly distributed?
Toss the salad lightly after adding the dressings to ensure they evenly coat all the ingredients.
Can I substitute the iceberg lettuce?
While iceberg provides the signature 'crisp' texture, you could use other greens, though it will change the character of the salad.
Is there any sodium or cholesterol information?
The provided data does not specify the sodium or cholesterol content.
What are some tags associated with this recipe?
Tags include pomegranate, mandarin orange, light dressing, fresh greens, and healthy side dish.
How much pomegranate seeds are used?
The recipe calls for 1/2 cup of pomegranate seeds.