Manderin Almond Salad

Colombian Mandarin Almond Salad Recipe with Green Onions and Celery

Region / culture: Colombia | Preparation time: 15 minutes | Cooking time: 5 minutes | Servings: 6

Introduction

Mandarin Almond Salad is a refreshing and flavorful dish that combines the sweetness of mandarin oranges with the crunch of caramelized almonds. This salad is perfect for a light lunch or as a side dish for a dinner party.

History

The origins of Mandarin Almond Salad are unclear, but it is believed to have been inspired by Asian cuisine. The combination of sweet and savory flavors in this salad has made it a popular choice for many years.

Ingredients

0.25 cup slivered almonds
1 tbsp sugar
DRESSING
1.5 tsp salt
2 tbsp vinegar
2 tbsp sugar
0.25 cup salad oil
1 tbsp parsley
1 dash pepper
1 dash tabasco
SALAD INGREDIENTS
2 heads of butter lettuce
Preferred
1 cup celery, finely diced
3 green onions, finely chopped
With tops
11 oz (312 g) mandarin oranges, drained

How to prepare

To caramelize almonds, mix them with sugar and stir constantly over low heat until they are lightly browned.
Cool the almonds on waxed paper and break them into small pieces. Set them aside.
Combine the dressing ingredients and mix well.
Refrigerate the dressing for a few hours to allow the flavors to blend.
Just before serving, tear the lettuce into bite-size pieces and combine it with celery, onions, and mandarin oranges.
Toss the salad with the dressing and nuts, and place it on a larger piece of butter lettuce to serve.
This recipe serves 6, so I suggest cutting it in half.

Variations

Add grilled chicken or shrimp for a protein boost.
Substitute pecans or walnuts for the almonds.
Use mixed greens instead of butter lettuce for a different flavor profile.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Be sure to caramelize the almonds over low heat to prevent burning.

- Refrigerate the dressing for a few hours before serving to allow the flavors to meld together.

- Tear the lettuce into bite-size pieces for easy eating.

Serving Suggestions

Serve Mandarin Almond Salad as a side dish with grilled chicken or fish. It also pairs well with a glass of white wine.

Cooking Techniques

Caramelize the almonds over low heat.

- Refrigerate the dressing before serving.

- Toss the salad ingredients together just before serving.

Ingredient Substitutions

Use honey or maple syrup instead of sugar for a healthier option.

- Substitute apple cider vinegar for a different flavor profile.

- Use any type of lettuce or greens in place of butter lettuce.

Make Ahead Tips

You can prepare the almonds and dressing ahead of time, but wait to toss the salad ingredients together until just before serving to prevent wilting.

Presentation Ideas

Serve Mandarin Almond Salad on a large platter lined with butter lettuce leaves for a beautiful presentation. Garnish with additional parsley for a pop of color.

Pairing Recommendations

Pair Mandarin Almond Salad with a glass of Sauvignon Blanc or Chardonnay for a refreshing and light meal.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftover salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Do not freeze. Reheat in a skillet over low heat to maintain the crunch of the almonds.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Calories: 200 per serving

Carbohydrates

Carbohydrates: 15g per serving

Fats

Total Fat: 12g per serving

Proteins

Protein: 3g per serving

Vitamins and minerals

Vitamin C: 30% of daily value per serving

Iron: 6% of daily value per serving

Alergens

Contains nuts

Summary

Mandarin Almond Salad is a nutritious dish that is high in vitamin C and iron. It is a good source of carbohydrates, fats, and proteins, making it a well-rounded meal option.

Summary

Mandarin Almond Salad is a delicious and nutritious dish that is perfect for any occasion. With its sweet and savory flavors, crunchy almonds, and juicy mandarin oranges, this salad is sure to be a hit with your family and friends. Enjoy!

How did I get this recipe?

The first time I saw this recipe, I knew it was something I had to make. It was a warm summer day, and I was flipping through an old cookbook that belonged to my great-grandmother. The pages were yellowed and fragile, filled with handwritten notes and splattered with ingredients from years of use. As I turned the pages, a recipe for Mandarin Almond Salad caught my eye. The combination of juicy mandarin oranges, crunchy almonds, and sweet honey dressing sounded like the perfect refreshing dish for a hot day.

I had never made a salad quite like this before, but I was determined to give it a try. I gathered all the ingredients I needed and set to work in the kitchen. The mandarin oranges were a challenge to peel and segment, but their juicy sweetness made it all worth it. The almonds I toasted in a dry skillet until they were golden brown and fragrant, adding a nutty crunch to the dish. The dressing was a simple blend of honey, lemon juice, and olive oil, which I whisked together until smooth and creamy.

As I tossed everything together in a large bowl, the colors and textures of the salad came together beautifully. The vibrant orange of the mandarins contrasted with the rich brown of the almonds, while the glossy dressing coated everything in a sweet and tangy glaze. I took a bite, and the flavors exploded in my mouth – the citrusy tang of the oranges, the earthy crunch of the almonds, and the sweet richness of the honey dressing.

I knew I had stumbled upon a winner. This Mandarin Almond Salad would become a staple at my family gatherings and dinner parties, a dish that everyone would rave about and ask for the recipe. I made it again and again, tweaking the ingredients and proportions until it was just right. Each time I made it, I felt a sense of pride and satisfaction, knowing that I had created something delicious and unique.

But the story of this recipe didn't end there. Over the years, I shared it with friends and family, who in turn shared it with their friends and family. It became a beloved dish in our community, passed down from generation to generation. I heard stories of how it had been served at weddings and baby showers, how it had comforted people in times of sorrow and celebration. It seemed to have a magical quality, bringing people together and creating memories that would last a lifetime.

One day, I was at a farmers' market, browsing the stalls for fresh produce and inspiration. I came across a stand selling mandarins and almonds, and a friendly older woman behind the counter struck up a conversation with me. She noticed the recipe card I was holding in my hand and asked me about it. When I told her it was for Mandarin Almond Salad, her eyes lit up with recognition.

"That's one of my favorite recipes!" she exclaimed. "I learned how to make it from my grandmother, who learned it from her grandmother. It's been in our family for generations."

I was astonished. Here was a complete stranger who had a connection to my recipe, a link that stretched back through time and space. We talked for hours, sharing stories and swapping tips for making the perfect salad. By the end of our conversation, we were fast friends, bonded by our love of good food and family traditions.

I left the farmers' market that day with a newfound appreciation for the power of recipes to connect us to our past and to each other. I realized that this Mandarin Almond Salad was more than just a delicious dish – it was a symbol of the love and care that went into every meal we shared with our loved ones. And I vowed to keep making it, passing it on to future generations, so that its legacy would live on for years to come.

So now, whenever I make my Mandarin Almond Salad, I do so with a sense of gratitude and humility, knowing that I am carrying on a tradition that stretches back for centuries. And as I serve it to my family and friends, I hope that they can taste not just the flavors of the dish, but the love and history that it represents. For in the end, it is the stories behind the recipes that truly nourish our souls.