Spinach Salad With Mandarin Oranges And Feta Cheese

Spinach salad with mandarin oranges and feta cheese is a refreshing and colorful dish that suits any occasion.

The fresh spinach adds a healthy, leafy crunch, while the mandarin oranges bring a burst of sweetness.

Paired with creamy, tangy feta cheese, this salad offers a perfect balance of flavors and textures.

It’s simple to make yet full of flavor, making it ideal for a quick lunch or as a beautiful side dish to elevate any meal & join us.

Spinach salad with mandarin oranges and feta cheese:

1. Ingredients

Spinach: Fresh spinach serves as the base of this salad, bringing a crisp and tender texture with a mild, earthy taste. It’s loaded with vitamins and minerals, like vitamin A, vitamin C, and iron, making it a nutritious and delicious option.

Mandarin Oranges: Sweet and juicy mandarin oranges add a refreshing burst of flavor. Their natural sweetness balances the salad beautifully, contrasting with the savory and tangy elements. You can use either fresh mandarins or canned ones (well-drained) for convenience.

Feta Cheese: Crumbled feta cheese provides a creamy, tangy flavor that elevates the salad. Its rich, bold taste pairs perfectly with the sweet oranges and crisp spinach, creating a delightful combination of textures and flavors.

Optional Add-Ins

• Nuts: Toasted almonds, pecans, or walnuts add a crunchy texture and healthy fats.
• Seeds: Sunflower or pumpkin seeds boost nutrition and give a satisfying crunch.
• Dried Cranberries: These add a touch of sweetness that complements the citrus and creamy feta.

2. Dressing

The right dressing enhances the flavors in this salad, tying everything together for a delicious experience. A light, tart vinaigrette works best to supplement the pleasantness of the mandarin oranges and the tart feta cheddar.

Citrus Vinaigrette: A citrus vinaigrette adds a refreshing touch. Made with freshly squeezed orange juice, lemon juice, olive oil, honey (or maple syrup for a vegan option), Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper, this dressing brings a bright, zesty flavor that lifts the whole salad.

Balsamic Vinaigrette: For a richer taste, a balsamic vinaigrette is a fantastic choice. Combine balsamic vinegar, olive oil, a touch of honey or brown sugar, salt, and pepper. The sweet and tangy flavors of the balsamic blend beautifully with the creamy feta and juicy mandarins.

Honey Mustard Dressing: A honey mustard dressing offers a mix of sweetness and a hint of spice. Blend honey, Dijon mustard, olive oil, apple cider vinegar, and a bit of salt for a smooth, flavorful drizzle that complements the salad perfectly.

Dressing Tips:

Light Coating: Use just enough dressing to lightly coat the spinach and other ingredients to avoid sogginess.

Dress Before Serving: Add the dressing right before serving to keep the spinach fresh and crisp.

Customize: Adjust the sweetness or acidity to suit your taste preferences.

Recipes:

Ingredients:

• 6 cups of fresh spinach, washed and dried
• 1 can (11 ounces) of mandarin oranges, drained (or 2 cups of fresh mandarin segments)
• 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese
• 1/4 cup toasted sliced almonds or chopped walnuts (optional)
• 1/4 cup dried cranberries (optional)

Citrus Vinaigrette:

• 1/4 cup fresh orange juice
• 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
• 1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup
• 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
• 1/3 cup olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste

Steps:

1. Make the Dressing
   • Combine orange juice, lemon juice, honey (or maple syrup), and Dijon mustard in a small bowl or jar.
   • Whisk or shake well until blended.
   • Gradually add olive oil, whisking continuously until the dressing is smooth and combined.
   • Season with salt and pepper, then set aside.
2. Toast the Nuts (Optional)
   • Heat a dry skillet over medium heat and add the sliced almonds or walnuts.
   • Stir frequently for 2-3 minutes until they turn golden brown and fragrant.
   • Remove from heat and let them cool.
3. Put Together the Salad
   • Place spinach in a large salad bowl.
   • Add the mandarin oranges and crumbled feta cheese.
   • Sprinkle with toasted nuts and dried cranberries, if using.
4. Add the Dressing
   • Drizzle the citrus vinaigrette over the salad.
   • Gently toss to coat everything evenly.
5. Serve
   • Serve immediately to enjoy the fresh flavors and textures.
   • Add extra feta, nuts, or cranberries as a garnish if you’d like.

Enjoy this refreshing salad as a tasty side dish or a light, healthy meal!

Nutriions:

• Calories: 150-200
• Protein: 4-6 grams
• Fat: 10-12 grams
• Carbohydrates: 10-14 grams
• Fiber: 3-4 grams
• Sugar: 6-10 grams
• Vitamin A: 70-80% DV
• Vitamin C: 40-50% DV
• Calcium: 10-15% DV
• Iron: 10-15% DV
• Sodium: 250-350 milligrams

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FAQs | Spinach Salad With Mandarin Oranges And Feta Cheese

Q. Can I use a different cheese besides feta?
Absolutely! You can swap out feta for goat cheese, blue cheese, or shredded mozzarella to change up the flavor.

Q. Can I prepare this salad ahead of time?
Yes, you can prep the ingredients beforehand, but it’s best to wait to add the dressing until just before serving to keep the spinach fresh and crisp.

Q. What can I use instead of mandarin oranges?
You can replace mandarin oranges with fresh orange slices, grapefruit, or pomegranate seeds for a similar sweet and tangy taste.

Q. How should I store leftovers?
Place the serving of mixed greens in a water/air proof holder and refrigerate for as long as 2 days. Keep the dressing separate to avoid wilting the spinach.