Savory Spinach and Mandarin Citrus Salad
Elevate your salad game with this vibrant and refreshing Savory Spinach and Mandarin Citrus Salad. Combining fresh spinach with juicy mandarin oranges, earthy mushrooms, and crunchy nuts, this dish bursts with flavor and nutrition. Topped with crumbled blue cheese or feta and a light raspberry vinaigrette, this salad makes an excellent one-dish meal or side for any occasion. Perfect for lunch, dinner, or a potluck, it's as delightful to share as it is to enjoy on your own.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
6
Ingredients
Ingredients
spinach
8 (cups, torn (about 10 ozs))
fresh mushrooms
8 (ounces, sliced)
mandarin orange sections
22 (ounces, drained (2 cans of 11 oz each))
blue cheese or feta cheese
1/4 (cup, crumbled)
pecans or walnuts
2 (tablespoons, roughly chopped)
fat-free raspberry vinaigrette
1/2 (cup (or your favorite fat-free dressing))
Instructions
1
Start by preparing all ingredients. Rinse the spinach leaves and tear them into bite-sized pieces. Drain the mandarin oranges from their can.
2
On four serving plates, distribute 2 cups of torn spinach evenly, creating a lush bed for the toppings.
3
Layer 1/2 cup of sliced fresh mushrooms and 1/3 cup of mandarin orange sections on top of each spinach bed.
4
Sprinkle 1 tablespoon of crumbled blue cheese or feta atop each salad for a savory touch.
5
Add a generous 1 1/2 teaspoons of roughly chopped pecans or walnuts for a delightful crunch.
6
Finally, drizzle 2 tablespoons of fat-free raspberry vinaigrette over each plate to enhance the flavors.
7
Alternatively, combine all ingredients (excluding the vinaigrette) in a large mixing bowl. Toss lightly until well combined, then drizzle with the dressing just before serving to keep everything crisp.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Savory Spinach and Mandarin Citrus Salad?
It is a vibrant and refreshing salad that combines fresh spinach with juicy mandarin oranges, earthy mushrooms, and crunchy nuts, topped with cheese and a raspberry vinaigrette.
Is this salad recipe vegetarian-friendly?
Yes, this salad is vegetarian as it contains only vegetables, fruit, nuts, cheese, and a vinaigrette dressing.
How many servings does this recipe yield?
Based on the assembly instructions, the recipe is designed to be distributed across four serving plates.
What are the primary ingredients in this spinach salad?
The main ingredients include 8 cups of torn spinach, 8 ounces of fresh mushrooms, 22 ounces of canned mandarin oranges, blue cheese or feta, pecans or walnuts, and raspberry vinaigrette.
What type of cheese is recommended for this recipe?
You can use either crumbled blue cheese or crumbled feta cheese depending on your preference.
What kind of nuts should I use for the crunch factor?
The recipe suggests using either roughly chopped pecans or walnuts.
How should the spinach be prepared?
The spinach should be rinsed thoroughly and torn into bite-sized pieces before assembly.
What type of dressing pair best with these ingredients?
A fat-free raspberry vinaigrette is recommended, though any favorite fat-free dressing can be substituted.
How much dressing should be applied to each salad?
It is recommended to drizzle 2 tablespoons of vinaigrette over each of the four serving plates.
Are the mushrooms in this salad cooked or raw?
The recipe calls for fresh, sliced mushrooms, which are typically used raw in this salad preparation.
Can I make this salad in a large bowl instead of individual plates?
Yes, you can combine all ingredients except the dressing in a large mixing bowl, toss lightly, and add the dressing just before serving.
How much spinach goes on each plate?
Each of the four plates should receive approximately 2 cups of torn spinach leaves.
How many mandarin oranges are needed?
The recipe requires 22 ounces of mandarin orange sections, which is equivalent to two 11-ounce cans, drained.
How much cheese is added to each individual serving?
Each salad should be sprinkled with 1 tablespoon of crumbled blue cheese or feta.
How many nuts are used per serving?
A generous 1 1/2 teaspoons of roughly chopped nuts are added to each individual plate.
What is the total amount of mushrooms required?
The recipe calls for 8 ounces of fresh mushrooms.
When should I add the dressing to keep the salad fresh?
To keep the ingredients crisp, drizzle the dressing just before serving.
Is this salad suitable for a potluck?
Yes, its vibrant colors and refreshing flavors make it a delightful dish to share at any social gathering.
How much total cheese is needed for the whole recipe?
The recipe requires a total of 1/4 cup of crumbled cheese.
What is the total amount of nuts needed?
You will need 2 tablespoons of roughly chopped pecans or walnuts for the entire recipe.
Can I use fresh mandarin oranges instead of canned?
Yes, you can substitute canned oranges with fresh mandarin sections if preferred, ensuring they are peeled and segmented.
Is this recipe considered a one-dish meal?
Yes, due to its nutrient density and various toppings, it can serve as a light one-dish meal or a side salad.
How do I layer the salad for the best presentation?
Start with a bed of spinach, then layer mushrooms and oranges, followed by a sprinkle of cheese and nuts, and finish with a drizzle of dressing.
What is the weight equivalent of 8 cups of spinach?
Eight cups of torn spinach is approximately 10 ounces.
Is the dressing in this recipe fat-free?
The recipe specifically calls for fat-free raspberry vinaigrette to keep the dish light.
Can I use a different type of lettuce?
While spinach is the featured base for its flavor and nutrition, you could substitute other greens, though it will change the character of the salad.
How do I prepare the canned mandarin oranges?
The oranges should be thoroughly drained from their syrup or juice before being added to the salad.
Does this salad contain any cholesterol?
While the specific data is null, the primary ingredients (spinach, mushrooms, oranges, and nuts) are cholesterol-free; only the cheese would contribute a small amount.
Is this salad low in calories?
Given the use of fresh vegetables, fruit, and fat-free dressing, this salad is generally a lower-calorie, healthy option.
What makes this salad 'savory'?
The combination of earthy mushrooms, salty blue cheese or feta, and hearty nuts provides the savory counterpoint to the sweet mandarin oranges.