Mandarin Spinach Salad with Teriyaki Dressing

Mandarin Spinach Salad with Teriyaki Dressing is a refreshing and vibrant dish that combines sweet mandarins, tender spinach, and crunchy toppings, all tossed in a tangy-sweet teriyaki-inspired dressing.

This salad makes a delightful side dish or a light main course when topped with grilled chicken or tofu. The fusion of flavors and textures will leave you craving more!

Kitchen Equipment Needed

• Salad bowl
• Whisk or small mixing bowl
• Knife and cutting board
• Small skillet (optional, for toasting nuts or seeds)

Ingredients

For the Salad:

• 6 cups fresh spinach leaves, washed and dried
• 1 cup mandarin orange segments (fresh or canned, drained)
• 1/2 cup red onion, thinly sliced
• 1/4 cup sliced almonds or toasted sesame seeds
• 1/2 cup shredded carrots (optional)
• 1/4 cup dried cranberries or raisins

For the Teriyaki Dressing:

• 1/4 cup soy sauce (low-sodium preferred)
• 2 tbsp rice vinegar
• 1 tbsp honey or maple syrup
• 1 tbsp sesame oil
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tsp grated ginger
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• 1 tsp cornstarch mixed with 2 tsp water (optional, for thickening)

Directions

1. Prepare the Dressing:
   In a small mixing bowl, whisk together soy sauce, rice vinegar, honey or maple syrup, sesame oil, olive oil, grated ginger, and garlic. For a thicker dressing, heat the mixture in a small saucepan over medium-low heat and stir in the cornstarch slurry. Simmer until slightly thickened, then let it cool.
2. Assemble the Salad:
   In a large salad bowl, combine spinach, mandarin orange segments, red onion, shredded carrots, dried cranberries, and sliced almonds.
3. Dress the Salad:
   Drizzle the teriyaki dressing over the salad and toss gently to coat all the ingredients evenly.
4. Serve:
   Serve immediately as a side dish or top with grilled chicken, tofu, or shrimp for a heartier meal.

Prep Time

15 minutes

Cook Time

5 minutes (if thickening the dressing)

Total Time

20 minutes

Nutrition (Per Serving – Based on 4 Servings)

• Calories: 175
• Protein: 4g
• Carbohydrates: 19g
• Fat: 9g
• Fiber: 3g
• Sugar: 10g

Expert Tips

• Freshness Matters: Use the freshest spinach and mandarins for the best flavor and texture.
• Customizable Add-Ins: Feel free to add avocado, cucumber, or crispy wonton strips for extra flair.
• Dressing Storage: The dressing can be made ahead and stored in the refrigerator for up to a week.

FAQs

Can I make this salad ahead of time?
Yes, assemble the salad ingredients but keep the dressing separate until ready to serve to prevent wilting.

Can I use a store-bought dressing?
Absolutely! A store-bought teriyaki or sesame ginger dressing works as a quick substitute.

Is there a gluten-free option?
Use tamari or a gluten-free soy sauce for a gluten-free version of the dressing.

Storing & Reheating

• Refrigerator: Store undressed salad in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
• Dressing: Keep dressing in a sealed container in the refrigerator for up to a week. Shake well before using.

Substitutions & Variations

• Nuts/Seeds: Swap almonds for cashews, walnuts, or sunflower seeds.
• Protein Boost: Add grilled chicken, tofu, or shrimp for a complete meal.
• Fruits: Replace mandarins with fresh strawberries, blueberries, or pineapple chunks for a twist.

Mandarin Spinach Salad with Teriyaki Dressing

Mandarin Spinach Salad with Teriyaki Dressing is a refreshing and vibrant dish that combines sweet mandarins, tender spinach, and crunchy toppings, all tossed in a tangy-sweet teriyaki-inspired dressing.

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Ingredients Equipment Method

Ingredients

  

• #### For the Salad:
• - 6 cups fresh spinach leaves washed and dried
• - 1 cup mandarin orange segments fresh or canned, drained
• - 1/2 cup red onion thinly sliced
• - 1/4 cup sliced almonds or toasted sesame seeds
• - 1/2 cup shredded carrots optional
• - 1/4 cup dried cranberries or raisins
• #### For the Teriyaki Dressing:
• - 1/4 cup soy sauce low-sodium preferred
• - 2 tbsp rice vinegar
• - 1 tbsp honey or maple syrup
• - 1 tbsp sesame oil
• - 1 tbsp olive oil
• - 1 tsp grated ginger
• - 1 clove garlic minced
• - 1 tsp cornstarch mixed with 2 tsp water optional, for thickening

Equipment

• - Salad bowl
• - Whisk or small mixing bowl
• Knife and cutting board
• - Small skillet (optional, for toasting nuts or seeds)

Method

 

1. **Prepare the Dressing:**
2. In a small mixing bowl, whisk together soy sauce, rice vinegar, honey or maple syrup, sesame oil, olive oil, grated ginger, and garlic. For a thicker dressing, heat the mixture in a small saucepan over medium-low heat and stir in the cornstarch slurry. Simmer until slightly thickened, then let it cool.
3. **Assemble the Salad:**
4. In a large salad bowl, combine spinach, mandarin orange segments, red onion, shredded carrots, dried cranberries, and sliced almonds.
5. **Dress the Salad:**
6. Drizzle the teriyaki dressing over the salad and toss gently to coat all the ingredients evenly.
7. **Serve:**
8. Serve immediately as a side dish or top with grilled chicken, tofu, or shrimp for a heartier meal.