Zesty Mandarin & Romaine Citrus Salad
This refreshing Zesty Mandarin & Romaine Citrus Salad is the perfect accompaniment for any meal, especially during festive gatherings. With vibrant, crunchy romaine lettuce, sweet mandarin oranges, and the crispness of celery and green onions, this salad bursts with flavors and textures. The homemade tangy dressing combines canola oil, tarragon vinegar, and a hint of pepper sauce, creating a delightful balance that's sure to please your palate. Ideal for pairing with turkey, chicken, or served as a light lunch, this salad encourages a burst of freshness that invigorates every bite.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
11
Ingredients
Ingredients
Canola oil
1/4 cup (none)
Granulated sugar
2 tablespoons (none)
Tarragon vinegar
2 tablespoons (none)
Salt
1/2 teaspoon (none)
Hot pepper sauce
1/4 teaspoon (none)
Black pepper
1/8 teaspoon (none)
Romaine lettuce
10 cups (torn into bite-sized pieces)
Mandarin oranges
15 ounces (drained)
Celery rib
1 (chopped)
Green onions
2 (sliced)
Fresh parsley
1 tablespoon (minced)
Instructions
1
In a small mixing bowl, whisk together canola oil, sugar, tarragon vinegar, salt, hot pepper sauce, and black pepper until well blended and smooth.
2
In a large salad bowl, combine the torn romaine lettuce, drained mandarin oranges, chopped celery, sliced green onions, and minced fresh parsley.
3
Drizzle the prepared dressing over the salad mixture.
4
Gently toss the ingredients together to ensure an even coating of the dressing.
5
Serve immediately, or chill for 15 minutes to meld flavors before serving.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Zesty Mandarin & Romaine Citrus Salad?
This is a refreshing salad featuring crunchy romaine lettuce, sweet mandarin oranges, celery, and green onions, tossed in a homemade tangy tarragon dressing.
What are the primary ingredients in this salad?
The salad consists of romaine lettuce, mandarin oranges, celery, green onions, and fresh parsley, paired with a dressing made of canola oil, sugar, tarragon vinegar, salt, hot pepper sauce, and black pepper.
How is the dressing for the Zesty Mandarin & Romaine Citrus Salad made?
The dressing is made by whisking together canola oil, granulated sugar, tarragon vinegar, salt, hot pepper sauce, and black pepper in a small bowl until smooth.
Is this salad recipe vegetarian?
Yes, based on the ingredients list including vegetables, fruit, and a vinegar-based dressing, this recipe is vegetarian-friendly.
What type of lettuce is recommended for this recipe?
The recipe specifically calls for romaine lettuce, which provides a crisp and crunchy texture that pairs well with the citrus.
How should I prepare the romaine lettuce?
You should use 10 cups of romaine lettuce that has been torn into bite-sized pieces.
Should the mandarin oranges be drained?
Yes, you should use 15 ounces of mandarin oranges that have been thoroughly drained before adding them to the salad.
What makes the dressing 'zesty'?
The zestiness comes from the combination of tarragon vinegar and a small amount of hot pepper sauce.
Can I serve this salad immediately?
Yes, you can serve it immediately, but chilling it for 15 minutes allows the flavors to meld together better.
What dishes pair well with this salad?
It is an ideal accompaniment for turkey or chicken, and it also works well as a light standalone lunch.
How many ingredients are required for this salad?
There are 11 total ingredients used in this recipe, covering both the salad base and the dressing.
What is the flavor profile of the Zesty Mandarin & Romaine Citrus Salad?
The flavor profile is a balance of sweet from the oranges and sugar, tangy from the vinegar, and a hint of heat from the pepper sauce.
What is tarragon vinegar?
Tarragon vinegar is a type of vinegar infused with the herb tarragon, providing a distinct anise-like flavor to the dressing.
Does this recipe contain any fat?
The recipe contains fat from the 1/4 cup of canola oil used in the dressing.
Is the salad crunchy?
Yes, the salad is very crunchy thanks to the romaine lettuce, chopped celery, and fresh green onions.
Can I use fresh parsley?
Yes, the recipe calls for 1 tablespoon of minced fresh parsley to be mixed into the salad.
How many green onions should I use?
The recipe requires 2 green onions, which should be sliced before being added to the mix.
How much celery is needed?
You will need one chopped rib of celery.
Is this a seasonal dish?
While it can be enjoyed year-round, its vibrant flavors make it popular for festive gatherings and seasonal events.
Is the dressing spicy?
It has a mild kick from 1/4 teaspoon of hot pepper sauce and 1/8 teaspoon of black pepper, but it is generally considered tangy rather than hot.
Can I substitute the canola oil?
While the recipe calls for canola oil, you could likely use another neutral-flavored oil if necessary.
What is the preparation for the green onions?
The green onions should be sliced into small rounds.
How do I ensure the dressing is well-distributed?
After drizzling the dressing over the salad, gently toss all the ingredients together for an even coating.
Is there sugar in this recipe?
Yes, 2 tablespoons of granulated sugar are used in the dressing to balance the acidity of the vinegar.
Is this salad considered healthy?
Yes, it is tagged as a healthy and fresh side dish featuring greens and fruit.
Can I use this as a light meal?
Absolutely, it is specifically described as being ideal for a light lunch.
What size bowl should I use?
You should use a small bowl for whisking the dressing and a large salad bowl for combining the greens and vegetables.
How much salt and pepper are in the dressing?
The dressing uses 1/2 teaspoon of salt and 1/8 teaspoon of black pepper.
Can I make the dressing in advance?
While not explicitly stated, whisking the dressing in advance and storing it until serving is a common kitchen practice.
Why is parsley included?
The minced fresh parsley adds a touch of herbal freshness and additional color to the salad.