Zesty Mandarin Walnut Salad with Gorgonzola
This vibrant Zesty Mandarin Walnut Salad is a delightful blend of textures and flavors that make it an irresistible addition to any meal. The sweetness of mandarin orange segments perfectly complements the rich, nutty flavor of toasted walnuts, while the creamy gorgonzola adds a luxurious touch. This salad is not only visually appealing but also a breeze to prepare, making it an ideal side dish for gatherings or a light meal on its own. The toasted walnuts provide a delightful crunch that elevates the dish, and the refreshing raspberry vinaigrette ties everything together beautifully. Enjoy it chilled as a refreshing starter or alongside your favorite main courses.
N/A
Servings
75
Calories
6
Ingredients
Ingredients
Mixed baby lettuces and spring greens
5 ounces (bag)
Mandarin orange segments
22 ounces (2 cans, drained)
Walnut pieces
1 cup (toasted)
Gorgonzola cheese
4 ounces (crumbled)
Butter
1 tablespoon (melted)
Raspberry vinaigrette dressing
to taste (for drizzling)
Instructions
1
In a small saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat.
2
Once melted, add the walnut pieces to the pan and stir to coat them evenly with the butter.
3
Toast the walnuts for approximately 4 minutes, stirring frequently until they are golden brown and fragrant.
4
Remove the toasted walnuts from the pan and spread them out on a plate to cool to room temperature.
5
In a large salad bowl, combine the mixed baby lettuces and spring greens.
6
Add the drained mandarin orange segments and crumbled gorgonzola cheese to the greens.
7
Once the walnuts have cooled, add them to the salad mixture and gently toss to combine all the ingredients.
8
Drizzle with raspberry vinaigrette to taste and serve immediately for a fresh and zesty salad experience.
Nutrition Information
5g
Fat
6g
Carbs
2g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the main dish described?
The dish is a Zesty Mandarin Walnut Salad with Gorgonzola.
How many calories are in a serving of this salad?
There are 75 calories per serving.
Is this salad recipe gluten-free?
Yes, according to the recipe tags, this salad is gluten-free.
What kind of nuts are used in this recipe?
The recipe uses 1 cup of walnut pieces.
How do you prepare the walnuts for the salad?
The walnuts are toasted in melted butter for about 4 minutes until golden brown and fragrant.
What type of cheese is added to the salad?
The recipe calls for 4 ounces of crumbled gorgonzola cheese.
How many cans of mandarin oranges do I need?
You will need 2 cans, totaling 22 ounces of mandarin orange segments.
What type of dressing is recommended for this salad?
A raspberry vinaigrette dressing is used to drizzle over the salad to taste.
How much protein is in this salad?
This salad contains 2 grams of protein per serving.
How much fat is in a serving of the Zesty Mandarin Walnut Salad?
Each serving contains 5 grams of fat.
What kind of greens should I use?
The recipe uses 5 ounces of mixed baby lettuces and spring greens.
How long does it take to toast the walnuts?
It takes approximately 4 minutes to toast the walnuts over medium heat.
Do I need to drain the mandarin oranges?
Yes, the mandarin orange segments should be drained before being added to the salad.
What is the role of butter in this recipe?
One tablespoon of butter is melted to coat and toast the walnuts.
Should the salad be served immediately?
Yes, for the best and freshest experience, it should be served immediately after tossing.
Is this recipe considered healthy?
Yes, it is tagged as a healthy and fresh recipe.
How many carbohydrates are in this dish?
There are 6 grams of carbohydrates per serving.
Should the walnuts be hot when added to the greens?
No, the walnuts should be cooled to room temperature before adding them to the salad mixture.
What flavor profile can I expect from this salad?
It is a zesty and refreshing blend of sweet mandarin oranges, rich walnuts, and creamy gorgonzola.
Can I add other ingredients like chicken?
While not in the original recipe, adding a protein like chicken would turn this into a full main course.
How much gorgonzola cheese is required?
The recipe requires 4 ounces of crumbled gorgonzola cheese.
What equipment is needed to toast the walnuts?
A small saucepan is used to melt the butter and toast the walnuts.
Can I use fresh oranges instead of canned ones?
Yes, although the recipe specifies canned mandarin segments, fresh segments can be substituted.
Is this recipe suitable for beginners?
Yes, it is described as a breeze to prepare and an easy recipe.
How should the raspberry vinaigrette be applied?
It should be drizzled over the salad to taste before serving.
What is the weight of the lettuce used?
The recipe uses a 5-ounce bag of mixed baby lettuces and spring greens.
Is this a vegetarian-friendly recipe?
Yes, it contains no meat products, making it suitable for vegetarians.
What is the purpose of spreading walnuts on a plate after toasting?
This allows them to cool properly to room temperature before being added to the delicate greens.
What does the gorgonzola add to the dish?
The gorgonzola adds a creamy and luxurious touch to the salad's texture.
Is this recipe good for gatherings?
Yes, it is an ideal side dish for gatherings due to its visual appeal and quick preparation.