Crispy Mandarin Poppyseed Delight Salad
This delightful salad combines the vibrant flavors of sweet mandarin oranges with crunchy textures that make it a standout dish at any gathering. Originating from a beloved family friend, it has captured hearts—even among those who typically shy away from salads. The contrasting textures from the crisp green leaf lettuce, the crunchy rice noodles, and the sweet, candied almonds create an incredibly satisfying experience. Topped with a refreshing homemade dressing featuring poppy seeds and a hint of sweetness, this salad tastes more like a treat than a side dish. Perfect for parties, picnics, or any occasion where you want to impress your guests!
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
13
Ingredients
Ingredients
green leaf lettuce
2 bunches (rinsed, dried, and ripped into pieces)
mandarin oranges
1 (11 ounce) can (drained)
rice noodles
1 (3 ounce) can (no preparation needed)
green onions
3 (chopped)
slivered almonds
3/4 cup (no preparation needed)
butter
1 tablespoon (for cooking almonds)
sugar
1 tablespoon (for candied almonds)
oil
1/2 cup (for dressing)
white vinegar
1/4 cup (for dressing)
sugar
1/4 cup (for dressing)
pepper
1/4 teaspoon (for dressing)
poppy seeds
1 1/2 teaspoons (for dressing)
Aunt Jane's Krazy Mixed Up Salt
1 tablespoon (for dressing)
Instructions
1
Start by making the candied almonds. In a small frying pan, melt the butter over medium-low heat.
2
Add the slivered almonds and sprinkle the tablespoon of sugar over them. Stir frequently for even cooking. Continue cooking until the almonds turn golden brown, about 5-7 minutes.
3
Remove the pan from heat and transfer the almonds to a separate dish to cool. While they cool, use a fork to separate any almonds that may stick together.
4
Next, prepare the salad dressing. In a salad dressing cruet or a tightly sealed container, combine 1/2 cup of oil, 1/4 cup of white vinegar, 1/4 cup of sugar, 1/4 teaspoon of pepper, 1 1/2 teaspoons of poppy seeds, and 1 tablespoon of Aunt Jane's Krazy Mixed Up Salt. Shake or mix well until fully combined.
5
Rinse and dry the green leaf lettuce, then rip it into bite-sized pieces and place in a large salad bowl.
6
Add the chopped green onions, the drained mandarin oranges, the cooled candied almonds, and the rice noodles to the bowl with the lettuce.
7
When you're ready to serve, pour the dressing over the salad and gently toss with salad tongs until evenly coated.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Crispy Mandarin Poppyseed Delight Salad?
It is a vibrant salad combining sweet mandarin oranges, crunchy rice noodles, and candied almonds with a homemade poppyseed dressing.
How many bunches of green leaf lettuce are needed?
The recipe requires 2 bunches of green leaf lettuce.
What size can of mandarin oranges should I use?
You should use one 11-ounce can of mandarin oranges, drained.
How do I make the candied almonds?
Melt 1 tablespoon of butter over medium-low heat, add 3/4 cup slivered almonds and 1 tablespoon sugar, and stir for 5-7 minutes until golden brown.
What kind of noodles are in this salad?
The salad uses one 3-ounce can of crunchy rice noodles.
What are the ingredients for the poppyseed dressing?
The dressing consists of 1/2 cup oil, 1/4 cup white vinegar, 1/4 cup sugar, 1/4 teaspoon pepper, 1 1/2 teaspoons poppy seeds, and 1 tablespoon Aunt Jane's Krazy Mixed Up Salt.
How many green onions are required?
The recipe calls for 3 chopped green onions.
Should the lettuce be chopped with a knife?
No, the lettuce should be rinsed, dried, and then ripped into bite-sized pieces.
What heat setting should I use to cook the almonds?
The almonds should be cooked over medium-low heat to prevent burning.
How long does it take for the almonds to turn golden brown?
It typically takes about 5 to 7 minutes of frequent stirring.
How should I store the almonds while they cool?
Transfer them to a separate dish and use a fork to separate any that stick together.
Can I mix the dressing in a jar?
Yes, you can use a salad dressing cruet or any tightly sealed container to shake the ingredients together.
When is the best time to add the dressing to the salad?
Pour the dressing over the salad and toss it right when you are ready to serve to maintain crunchiness.
What type of vinegar is best for the dressing?
The recipe specifies using white vinegar for the dressing.
Is there a specific brand of salt recommended?
The recipe recommends using Aunt Jane's Krazy Mixed Up Salt.
What kind of almonds should I buy?
You should use slivered almonds for this recipe.
How much sugar is used in the dressing?
The dressing requires 1/4 cup of sugar.
How much sugar is used for the candied almonds?
Only 1 tablespoon of sugar is needed for the candied almonds.
Is this salad good for picnics?
Yes, it is described as perfect for parties, picnics, and social gatherings.
How many ingredients are in the entire recipe?
There are a total of 13 ingredients used in this recipe.
Do I need to cook the rice noodles?
No, the rice noodles are used directly from the can for maximum crunch.
What provides the sweet flavor in the salad bowl?
The sweetness comes from the mandarin oranges and the candied almonds.
How much oil is used in the dressing?
The dressing uses 1/2 cup of oil.
What is the texture of the green leaf lettuce?
The lettuce is crisp and provides a fresh base for the crunchy toppings.
How much poppy seed is required?
The recipe calls for 1 1/2 teaspoons of poppy seeds.
Should the mandarin oranges be rinsed?
They should be drained, but the recipe does not state they need to be rinsed.
What tools are recommended for tossing the salad?
Salad tongs are recommended to gently toss the salad until evenly coated.
Can the salad be made without sugar?
The recipe relies on sugar for both the candied almonds and the sweet dressing, so omitting it would significantly change the flavor profile.
Is this salad suitable for people who don't like vegetables?
The description notes it has captured the hearts of even those who typically shy away from salads.
How much pepper is in the dressing?
The recipe uses 1/4 teaspoon of pepper.