Vibrant Spinach Salad with Mushrooms and Citrus Dressing
This refreshing Vibrant Spinach Salad with Mushrooms and Citrus Dressing is a delightful blend of flavors and textures. The earthy taste of fresh baby spinach is complemented by the tender, sliced white mushrooms and the sweet tang of mandarin oranges. Red onions add a crisp bite while toasted pine nuts provide a satisfying crunch. Drizzled with a homemade citrus vinaigrette made from orange and lime juice, honey, and fragrant tarragon, this salad is perfect for any occasion, whether it's a light lunch, a side dish at dinner, or a potluck contribution. Enjoy this nutritious and colorful dish, packed with vitamins and minerals, that's as pleasing to the eye as it is to the palate.
N/A
Servings
106
Calories
12
Ingredients
Ingredients
orange juice
1/4 cup (freshly squeezed)
lime juice or lemon juice
2 tablespoons (freshly squeezed)
honey or sugar
1 1/2 tablespoons
olive oil
1/2 cup
fresh tarragon
1/2 teaspoon (chopped)
salt and pepper
to taste
Baby Spinach
12 ounces (pre-washed)
sliced white mushrooms
6 ounces
mandarin oranges
6 ounces (drained)
red onion
1/2 cup (thinly sliced)
dried cranberries
1/4 cup
pine nuts
1/4 cup (toasted)
Instructions
1
In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together the orange juice, lime juice (or lemon juice), and honey until well combined.
2
Slowly drizzle in the olive oil while whisking continuously to create a smooth dressing. Stir in the chopped tarragon and season with salt and pepper to taste.
3
In a large serving bowl, combine the baby spinach, sliced mushrooms, mandarin orange segments, and thinly sliced red onion. Toss gently to mix the ingredients evenly.
4
Drizzle the prepared dressing over the salad, tossing softly until the greens are just coated.
5
To add a finishing touch, sprinkle the dried cranberries and toasted pine nuts over the top. Serve immediately for the freshest taste.
Nutrition Information
7g
Fat
8g
Carbs
1g
Protein
1g
Fiber
3g
Sugar
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the main leafy green used in this recipe?
The main green used is 12 ounces of pre-washed baby spinach.
Is the Vibrant Spinach Salad vegetarian?
Yes, this salad is suitable for vegetarians as it contains no meat or fish products.
How many calories are in a serving of this salad?
There are approximately 106 calories per serving.
What ingredients are used to make the citrus dressing?
The dressing consists of orange juice, lime or lemon juice, honey or sugar, olive oil, and fresh tarragon.
Can I substitute lime juice in the dressing?
Yes, you can use lemon juice as a substitute for lime juice.
What kind of mushrooms are recommended for this salad?
The recipe calls for 6 ounces of sliced white mushrooms.
How much fat is in one serving of this salad?
Each serving contains 7 grams of fat.
Does this recipe include any nuts?
Yes, it includes 1/4 cup of toasted pine nuts for a satisfying crunch.
Are there any dried fruits in the salad?
Yes, the recipe includes 1/4 cup of dried cranberries.
What provides the citrus flavor in the salad?
The citrus flavor comes from orange juice, lime/lemon juice, and mandarin orange segments.
How should the red onion be prepared?
The red onion should be thinly sliced before adding it to the salad.
What is the carbohydrate content per serving?
There are 8 grams of carbohydrates per serving.
Is honey the only sweetener option for the dressing?
No, you can use sugar as an alternative to honey if preferred.
How do I ensure the dressing is smooth?
You should slowly drizzle in the olive oil while whisking continuously to create a smooth emulsion.
Which herb is used to season the dressing?
Fresh chopped tarragon is used to add fragrance and flavor to the dressing.
How many grams of protein are in this salad?
The salad contains 1 gram of protein per serving.
Should the mandarin oranges be fresh or canned?
The recipe suggests 6 ounces of mandarin oranges, drained, which typically refers to canned segments.
When should the pine nuts and cranberries be added?
They should be sprinkled over the top as a finishing touch just before serving.
Is this salad considered a healthy option?
Yes, it is tagged as a healthy, light meal packed with vitamins and minerals.
How much olive oil is required for the dressing?
The recipe requires 1/2 cup of olive oil.
Can this salad be served at a party?
Absolutely, it is recommended as a great side dish for dinners or a potluck contribution.
What is the fiber content per serving?
There is 1 gram of fiber per serving.
How much sugar is in a serving?
There are 3 grams of sugar per serving.
What is the total number of ingredients in this recipe?
There are a total of 12 ingredients used in this recipe.
Should the salad be served immediately?
Yes, it is best to serve the salad immediately after tossing for the freshest taste.
How do I prepare the pine nuts?
The pine nuts should be toasted before being added to the salad.
Is there any salt or pepper in the recipe?
Yes, salt and pepper are added to the dressing to taste.
What is the primary preparation method for the orange juice?
The orange juice should be freshly squeezed.
How much red onion is used?
The recipe calls for 1/2 cup of thinly sliced red onion.
What is the overall flavor profile of this salad?
It is a blend of earthy spinach and mushrooms, sweet oranges and cranberries, and a tangy citrus-tarragon dressing.