Meet your new favorite salad: Zesty Mandarin Harvest Salad. This dish marries the sweet and citrusy flavors of mandarin oranges with the savory crunch of pecans and creamy feta. It's the perfect bright and vibrant dish to enjoy all year round.
Mixed salad greens are the foundation of this salad, providing a fresh and crisp base. Choose a mix that includes a variety of flavors and textures, like arugula for pepperiness or spinach for a milder taste.
Mandarin orange segments add a burst of juicy sweetness that pairs beautifully with the other ingredients. Look for canned mandarin oranges in juice rather than syrup for a more natural sweetness.
Feta cheese crumbles bring a creamy, salty element that contrasts nicely with the sweetness of the fruit. It also adds a bit of richness to the salad.
Pecans offer a nutty crunch that enhances the texture of the salad. Toast them lightly for an even deeper flavor.
Red onion slices add a sharp, pungent flavor that cuts through the sweetness and richness of the other ingredients.
Dried cranberries give the salad a chewy texture and a tart, fruity flavor that complements the mandarin oranges.
The dressing is a simple mix of olive oil and balsamic vinegar, seasoned with salt and pepper. This combo ties everything together with a tangy finish.
This salad is a great side dish for grilled chicken or fish. It also pairs well with a light pasta dish or as a refreshing starter before a heavier main course. You can also top it with grilled shrimp for a light, complete meal.
Start by grabbing a large salad bowl. This is where all the magic will happen. Toss in your mixed salad greens. They’re the base, so make sure they’re fresh and crisp.
Next, add the mandarin orange segments. Their juicy sweetness will start to mingle with the greens. Follow with the feta cheese — crumble it with your fingers as you add it to the bowl.
Now, it's time for some crunch. Sprinkle in the chopped pecans. If you haven’t toasted them yet, a quick toss in a dry pan for a few minutes will do wonders.
Add the red onion slices. If you find raw onions too strong, you can soak them in cold water for 10 minutes beforehand to mellow their flavor.
Finally, toss in the dried cranberries. They’ll add a chewy bite and a pop of tartness.
For the dressing, whisk together the olive oil, balsamic vinegar, salt, and pepper in a small bowl. Pour this over the salad, then gently toss everything together to ensure even distribution of ingredients and dressing.
Serve this vibrant salad immediately, while all the flavors are fresh and lively.
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