Mandarin Apple Salad with Sweet Balsamic Vinaigrette

“Mandarin Apple Salad is a fresh, vibrant, and healthy salad perfect for the holidays or everyday meals. Featuring crisp romaine lettuce, juicy mandarins, crunchy apples, and a sweet balsamic vinaigrette, this easy-to-make recipe is ideal for potlucks, dinner parties, or as a light side dish. Packed with textures and flavors, it’s customizable with walnuts, dried cranberries, and crumbled feta cheese. Quick to prepare and family-friendly, this salad is a must-try for anyone looking for a refreshing and festive dish!”

Ingredients

For the Salad:

• 1 large head of romaine lettuce
• 1-2 medium apples, diced (soak in a mixture of juice from 1/2 lemon and 1/2 cup water to prevent browning)
• 3-4 seedless mandarins, peeled and separated
• 1/2 small red onion, finely chopped
• 1/2 cup walnuts (optional)
• 1/4 cup dried cranberries (craisins)
• 1/4 cup crumbled feta cheese (optional)

For the Sweet Balsamic Vinaigrette:

• 1/2 cup sugar
• 3/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil
• 1 tsp salt
• 1/4 cup balsamic vinegar

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Instructions

Preparing the Salad:

1. Wash, chop, and spin-dry the romaine lettuce. Transfer to a large salad bowl.
2. Peel the mandarins and separate into segments. Add to the salad bowl.
3. Dice the apples into 1/2-inch pieces. If not serving immediately, soak the apple pieces in a small bowl with the lemon juice and water mixture to prevent browning. Drain and add to the salad when ready to serve.
4. Top the salad with finely chopped red onion, walnuts, and dried cranberries.
5. Add the sweet balsamic vinaigrette to taste, tossing gently to combine. Sprinkle with crumbled feta cheese, if desired. Serve immediately.

Preparing the Vinaigrette:

6. In a small mixing bowl or jar, combine sugar, olive oil, salt, and balsamic vinegar. Whisk or shake until the sugar is dissolved and the dressing is well combined.

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Tips

• Keep Apples Fresh: Use lemon juice and water to keep the apples from browning if prepping in advance.
• Customize the Dressing: Adjust the sugar and vinegar ratio to balance sweetness and tanginess to your liking.
• Crunch Factor: Toast the walnuts lightly in a dry skillet for extra flavor.
• Make Ahead: Prepare the dressing and chop the salad ingredients in advance, but assemble the salad just before serving for maximum freshness.

Variations and Substitutions

• Greens: Substitute romaine lettuce with mixed greens, spinach, or arugula for a different flavor and texture.
• Nuts and Seeds: Use pecans, almonds, or sunflower seeds instead of walnuts.
• Fruits: Swap mandarins for oranges or fresh pomegranate seeds for a seasonal twist.
• Cheese: Try goat cheese or blue cheese instead of feta for a different flavor profile.
• Sugar-Free Dressing: Replace sugar with honey or a sugar substitute for a healthier option.

FAQs

Can I make this salad ahead of time? Yes! Prep the ingredients separately, and store them in the refrigerator. Assemble and dress the salad just before serving to keep it fresh and crisp.

How long does the vinaigrette last? The dressing can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week. Shake well before using.

What can I use instead of balsamic vinegar? You can substitute balsamic vinegar with apple cider vinegar or red wine vinegar, though the flavor will be slightly different.

Serving Suggestions

• Pair this salad with grilled chicken, fish, or steak for a complete meal.
• Serve it as a side dish for holiday dinners or family gatherings.
• Add it to a buffet or potluck spread for a refreshing and colorful option.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Fresh and Flavorful: A perfect balance of sweet, tangy, and crunchy.
• Versatile: Easily customizable to suit different tastes and dietary needs.
• Quick and Easy: Comes together in minutes, making it ideal for busy days or last-minute guests.
• Perfect for the Holidays: Festive, colorful, and guaranteed to impress!