Zesty Orange-Almond Delight Salad
This refreshing Zesty Orange-Almond Delight Salad is a sun-kissed combination of vibrant mandarin oranges, mixed greens, and crunchy glazed almonds. Inspired by a delightful recipe from At Home Cafe, I've made some modifications to enhance flavor and texture. The addition of crumbled blue cheese, sautéed mushrooms, shredded chicken, and tart dried cranberries elevates this salad to a wholesome meal in itself. Prepare the almond glaze and dressing in advance for a quick assembly that impresses at any gathering. Perfectly tangy and satisfying, this salad is bound to become a favorite on your table!
6-8
Servings
225
Calories
17
Ingredients
Ingredients
Salt
1/2 teaspoon (none)
Black pepper
to taste (none)
Sugar (for dressing)
2 tablespoons (none)
White balsamic vinegar
4 tablespoons (none)
Oil
1/4 cup (none)
Tabasco sauce
6 drops (none)
Chopped fresh parsley
2 tablespoons (chopped)
Sliced almonds
1/2 cup (sliced)
Sugar (for glazing almonds)
3 tablespoons (none)
Mixed greens
1 (12 ounce) bag (washed and dried)
Green onions
2 (chopped)
Sliced red onion
1/8 cup (sliced)
Mandarin oranges
1 (15 ounce) can (drained)
Crumbled blue cheese
optional, to taste (crumbled)
Sautéed mushrooms
optional, to taste (sautéed)
Shredded chicken
optional, to taste (cooked and shredded)
Dried cranberries
optional, to taste (none)
Instructions
1
In a mixing bowl, combine 1/2 teaspoon salt, black pepper to taste, 2 tablespoons of sugar, 4 tablespoons of white balsamic vinegar, 1/4 cup of oil, 6 drops of Tabasco sauce, and 2 tablespoons of chopped fresh parsley. Whisk until the mixture is well blended and the sugar dissolves. Set aside.
2
For the glazed almonds, combine 1/2 cup of sliced almonds and 3 tablespoons of sugar in a small skillet over low heat. Stir constantly until the sugar dissolves and coats the almonds evenly. Be careful as the sugar can caramelize quickly, so watch closely.
3
Once the sugar has dissolved and the almonds are coated, pour them onto a sheet of waxed paper to cool. Once cooled, break them into smaller pieces if needed.
4
To assemble the salad, in a large bowl, combine the washed and dried mixed greens with the chopped green onions, sliced red onions, and drained mandarin oranges.
5
Pour the dressing over the salad and gently toss to combine all ingredients.
6
Top the salad with the glazed almonds, and if desired, sprinkle with crumbled blue cheese, sautéed mushrooms, shredded chicken, and dried cranberries. Serve immediately and enjoy!
Nutrition Information
16g
Fat
18g
Carbs
3.75g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the flavor profile of the Zesty Orange-Almond Delight Salad?
The salad is described as a refreshing, sun-kissed combination that is perfectly tangy, citrusy, and satisfying.
How many servings does this recipe make?
This recipe makes approximately 6 to 8 servings.
What are the main ingredients in the salad base?
The base consists of a 12-ounce bag of mixed greens, chopped green onions, sliced red onions, and drained mandarin oranges.
How do you prepare the glazed almonds?
Combine 1/2 cup sliced almonds and 3 tablespoons sugar in a small skillet over low heat, stirring constantly until the sugar dissolves and coats the almonds.
What type of vinegar is used for the dressing?
The dressing uses 4 tablespoons of white balsamic vinegar.
Is there a spicy element in this salad?
Yes, the dressing contains 6 drops of Tabasco sauce for a subtle kick.
How can I turn this salad into a wholesome meal?
The recipe suggests adding optional toppings like shredded chicken, crumbled blue cheese, and sautéed mushrooms to make it more filling.
What is the calorie count per serving?
Each serving contains approximately 225 calories.
How much fat is in a serving of this salad?
There are 16 grams of fat per serving.
What are the carbohydrate and protein counts?
Each serving has 18 grams of carbohydrates and 3.75 grams of protein.
Should the mandarin oranges be fresh or canned?
The recipe calls for one 15-ounce can of mandarin oranges, which should be drained before use.
What is the best way to cool the glazed almonds?
Pour the hot glazed almonds onto a sheet of waxed paper to cool, then break them into smaller pieces if necessary.
Can the dressing be made ahead of time?
Yes, preparing the dressing in advance is recommended for a quick assembly.
What fresh herb is used in the dressing?
The dressing includes 2 tablespoons of chopped fresh parsley.
Are there any dried fruits in this recipe?
Dried cranberries are listed as an optional topping to add a tart flavor.
How do I prevent the sugar from burning when glazing the almonds?
Use low heat, stir constantly, and watch closely as the sugar can caramelize very quickly.
How much oil is required for the dressing?
The recipe requires 1/4 cup of oil.
Is salt and pepper included in the dressing?
Yes, it includes 1/2 teaspoon of salt and black pepper to taste.
What is the total number of ingredients?
The recipe uses a total of 17 ingredients, including optional toppings.
Who inspired this salad recipe?
The recipe was inspired by a version from At Home Cafe, with modifications to enhance flavor and texture.
What type of onions are used in the mix?
The recipe uses both chopped green onions and 1/8 cup of sliced red onions.
Is sugar used in more than one part of the recipe?
Yes, sugar is used twice: 2 tablespoons for the dressing and 3 tablespoons for glazing the almonds.
Should the chicken be cooked before adding it?
Yes, the shredded chicken should be cooked and shredded before being added as a topping.
When should I toss the salad with the dressing?
Pour the dressing over the salad and toss gently just before adding the crunchy toppings and serving.
What kind of greens are recommended?
A standard 12-ounce bag of mixed greens is recommended.
Are the mushrooms raw or cooked?
If you choose to add mushrooms, they should be sautéed first.
What is the first step in the instructions?
The first step is whisking together the dressing ingredients (salt, pepper, sugar, vinegar, oil, Tabasco, and parsley) until the sugar dissolves.
Can I serve this salad immediately?
Yes, it is recommended to serve immediately after assembly to maintain the crunch of the almonds and freshness of the greens.
Is blue cheese a required ingredient?
No, crumbled blue cheese is an optional topping used to taste.
What makes the almonds crunchy?
The crunch comes from the caramelization process where sugar is melted onto the sliced almonds.