Mandarin Spinach Salad

Mandarin Spinach Salad Recipe - Delicious and Healthy American Dish

Region / culture: USA | Preparation time: 15 minutes | Cooking time: 15 minutes | Servings: 4

Introduction

Mandarin Spinach Salad is a refreshing and flavorful dish that combines the sweetness of mandarin oranges with the crunch of almonds and the savory taste of bacon. This salad is perfect for a light lunch or as a side dish for a summer barbecue.

History

The origins of Mandarin Spinach Salad are not clear, but it is believed to have been popularized in the United States in the 1980s. This salad became a favorite at potlucks and picnics due to its easy preparation and delicious taste.

Ingredients

Salad

0.5 lb (227 g) bacon
1 (2.5 oz (71 g)) pkg. sliced almonds
1 (10 oz (283 g)) pkg. fresh spinach, washed, stems removed, chilled
1 (11 oz (312 g)) can mandarin oranges, drained and chilled

Dressing

1 cup catsup
1 cup vegetable oil
0.67 cup vinegar
0.67 cup sugar
1 small grated onion, optional
1 tsp salt
1 tsp celery seed
0.5 tsp paprika
juice of 1 lemon
1 garlic clove, minced
pinch of dry mustard
0.5 tsp worcestershire sauce

How to prepare

Cook the bacon until it is crisp.
Drain the bacon, crumble it, and set it aside.
Sauté the almonds in the bacon grease over medium heat until they are lightly browned.
Drain the almonds.
In a large bowl, toss the spinach and oranges together.
Stir in the dressing and almonds.
Serve immediately.
Enjoy.

Variations

Add grilled chicken or shrimp for extra protein.
Substitute pecans or walnuts for the almonds.
Use baby spinach or mixed greens instead of regular spinach.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Be sure to wash and dry the spinach thoroughly to remove any dirt or grit.

- Crumble the bacon after cooking to ensure that it is evenly distributed throughout the salad.

- Toasting the almonds in the bacon grease adds extra flavor to the salad.

- The dressing can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator until ready to use.

Serving Suggestions

Mandarin Spinach Salad can be served as a side dish with grilled chicken or fish, or enjoyed on its own as a light lunch.

Cooking Techniques

Sauté the almonds in the bacon grease for added flavor.

- Toss the spinach and oranges with the dressing just before serving to prevent wilting.

Ingredient Substitutions

Use honey or maple syrup instead of sugar in the dressing.

- Substitute apple cider vinegar for the white vinegar.

- Omit the bacon for a vegetarian version of the salad.

Make Ahead Tips

The dressing can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to a week. The salad ingredients can also be prepared in advance and assembled just before serving.

Presentation Ideas

Serve Mandarin Spinach Salad in a large salad bowl or on individual plates. Garnish with additional mandarin oranges or bacon crumbles for a decorative touch.

Pairing Recommendations

This salad pairs well with grilled meats, seafood, or a light pasta dish. A crisp white wine or sparkling water with lemon would be a refreshing accompaniment.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Leftover Mandarin Spinach Salad can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. The salad may wilt slightly, but can be refreshed with a little extra dressing before serving.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of Mandarin Spinach Salad contains approximately 350 calories.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of Mandarin Spinach Salad contains approximately 20 grams of carbohydrates.

Fats

Each serving of Mandarin Spinach Salad contains approximately 25 grams of fat.

Proteins

Each serving of Mandarin Spinach Salad contains approximately 10 grams of protein.

Vitamins and minerals

Mandarin Spinach Salad is rich in vitamins A and C, as well as iron and calcium.

Alergens

This recipe contains nuts (almonds) and dairy (bacon), which may be allergens for some individuals.

Summary

Mandarin Spinach Salad is a nutritious dish that provides a good balance of carbohydrates, fats, proteins, and essential vitamins and minerals.

Summary

Mandarin Spinach Salad is a delicious and nutritious dish that is perfect for a light lunch or as a side dish for a summer meal. With its combination of sweet mandarin oranges, crunchy almonds, savory bacon, and tangy dressing, this salad is sure to be a hit with your family and friends. Enjoy!

How did I get this recipe?

The memory of finding this recipe for the first time is still fresh in my mind. It was a warm summer day, and I was visiting my dear friend Margaret for our weekly tea and catch-up session. Margaret was known for her exquisite taste in food and her knack for finding the most delicious recipes. As we chatted over our cups of Earl Grey tea, she suddenly disappeared into the kitchen, leaving me to admire her beautiful collection of antique teacups.

I could hear the clinking of pots and pans coming from the kitchen, and I was filled with curiosity about what she was up to. After a few minutes, Margaret returned with a large bowl of Mandarin Spinach Salad. The vibrant colors of the dish immediately caught my eye, and I couldn't wait to dig in.

As I took my first bite, I was blown away by the combination of flavors and textures. The sweetness of the mandarin oranges paired perfectly with the crunch of the almonds, and the tangy dressing tied everything together beautifully. I knew right then and there that I had to get my hands on this recipe.

I begged Margaret to share the recipe with me, and she happily obliged. She explained that she had first come across the recipe in a cooking magazine many years ago and had since made it her own by adding her own personal touch. She pulled out a tattered old magazine from her collection and showed me the page with the recipe. I quickly jotted down the ingredients and instructions in my trusty recipe notebook, determined to recreate the dish at home.

When I got home that evening, I wasted no time in gathering the ingredients and getting to work. I followed the instructions to a tee, carefully tossing the spinach, mandarin oranges, red onion, and almonds together in a large bowl. The dressing was a simple combination of olive oil, vinegar, honey, and Dijon mustard, but it added a burst of flavor that elevated the dish to a whole new level.

As I took my first bite of the salad that I had made myself, I was transported back to Margaret's cozy kitchen and the warm memories we had shared together that day. I knew that this recipe would become a staple in my own collection, a dish that I would make time and time again for family gatherings and special occasions.

Over the years, I have made the Mandarin Spinach Salad countless times, always receiving rave reviews from friends and family. It has become a signature dish of mine, a recipe that I am proud to have in my repertoire. Every time I make it, I think back to that fateful day at Margaret's house and the moment when I first discovered this delicious recipe.

As I look back on my culinary journey, I am grateful for all the wonderful recipes that I have collected over the years, each one telling a story and bringing back cherished memories. The Mandarin Spinach Salad will always hold a special place in my heart, a reminder of the day when I learned to make it for the first time and the friendship that inspired me to do so. And as I continue to cook and create in the kitchen, I know that there will always be new recipes to discover and new memories to be made.