Introduction
Discover a delightful salad recipe that combines crunchy textures with sweet and savory flavors. This refreshing salad, featuring a blend of fresh greens, succulent oranges, and a tangy cider vinaigrette, is perfect for any occasion. Whether it’s a summer picnic or a winter gathering, this dish will impress your guests and tantalize their taste buds.
Detailed Ingredients with measures
For the Salad:
– ½ cup sugared almonds
– ½ head Romaine lettuce or bibb lettuce, chopped
– ½ head iceberg lettuce, chopped
– ½ cup diced celery
– ½ cup chopped green onions
– 3 Mandarin oranges, peeled and segmented
– ¼ cup crumbled Feta cheese
– ½ cup croutons
For the Cider Vinaigrette:
– 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
– 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
– 2 tablespoons minced fresh parsley
– 1 green onion, sliced thin
– ½ teaspoon kosher salt
– ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
– ¼ cup canola oil or vegetable oil
Prep Time
15 minutes
Cook Time, Total Time, Yield
Cook Time: 0 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes (includes refrigeration for the vinaigrette)
Yield: Serves 4-6 people
Detailed Directions and Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Salad Ingredients
In a large serving bowl, combine the sugared almonds, chopped Romaine and iceberg lettuces, diced celery, chopped green onions, Mandarin orange segments, and crumbled Feta cheese. Mix well.
Step 2: Make the Cider Vinaigrette
In a separate bowl, whisk together the apple cider vinegar, granulated sugar, minced fresh parsley, sliced green onion, kosher salt, and freshly ground black pepper until the sugar dissolves. Gradually whisk in the canola or vegetable oil until the mixture is emulsified. Cover and refrigerate the vinaigrette for at least one hour.
Step 3: Combine and Serve
When ready to serve, drizzle the salad with just enough dressing to lightly coat the ingredients. Add the croutons and gently toss the salad to combine. Serve immediately.
Notes
Serving Suggestion
This salad pairs well with grilled chicken or fish for a complete meal.
Ingredient Substitutions
Feel free to swap the Feta cheese with goat cheese for a different flavor. You can also use different nuts if desired.
Storage Tips
Store any leftover salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator without dressing to keep it fresh. Add dressing just before serving.
Preparation Time
Prepare the salad and vinaigrette in advance for the best flavor, allowing at least one hour for the vinaigrette to chill and meld.
Cook Techniques
Chopping
Chop the Romaine and iceberg lettuces, as well as the celery, into bite-sized pieces for easy eating and a pleasant texture in the salad.
Segmenting
Segment the Mandarin oranges by cutting away the peel and white pith, then slicing between the membranes to create perfect citrus segments.
Crumbling
Crumble the Feta cheese into small pieces to evenly distribute its flavor throughout the salad.
Whisking
Whisk the vinaigrette ingredients together until the sugar dissolves and the mixture is uniform, ensuring a balanced flavor in every bite.
Emulsifying
Gradually whisk in the oil to the vinaigrette mixture to create a stable emulsion, which allows the oil and vinegar to combine smoothly.
Tossing
Gently toss the salad with the vinaigrette and croutons just before serving to ensure an even coating without crushing the delicate ingredients.
FAQ
Can I substitute the Feta cheese?
Yes, you can substitute Feta cheese with goat cheese or a dairy-free alternative if desired.
How can I make this salad vegan?
Replace the Feta cheese with a plant-based cheese and omit the honey or use a vegan sweetener in the vinaigrette.
Can I prepare the vinaigrette in advance?
Yes, the vinaigrette can be prepared ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to a week. Just shake or whisk before using.
What other nuts can I use instead of sugared almonds?
Pecans, walnuts, or hazelnuts would be great alternatives for a different flavor and texture.
How do I store leftovers?
Store any leftover salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days, but keep the vinaigrette separate to avoid sogginess.
Conclusion
This colorful salad combines sweet and savory elements, creating a delightful balance of flavors and textures. The sugared almonds and Mandarin oranges add a refreshing sweetness, while the Feta cheese provides a creamy saltiness. Tossed in a tangy cider vinaigrette, this dish is perfect as a light meal or a side for any occasion.
More recipes suggestions and combination
Fruit and Nut Salad
Replace the Mandarin oranges with diced apples and add walnuts for a different sweet and crunchy profile.
Greek Salad Twist
Substitute the Feta cheese with Kalamata olives and add cherry tomatoes for a Mediterranean flair.
Crispy Chicken Salad
Top the salad with grilled or crispy chicken strips to make it a hearty main dish.
Spinach and Beet Salad
Use spinach instead of lettuce and add roasted beets along with goat cheese for an earthy taste.
Tropical Salad Variation
Incorporate diced pineapple and shredded coconut for a tropical version, swapping the cider vinaigrette with a light lime dressing.
