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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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Equipment

  • - 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

Instructions
 

  • **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.
  • **Assemble the Salad:**
  • In a large salad bowl, combine spinach, mandarin orange segments, red onion, shredded carrots, dried cranberries, and sliced almonds.
  • **Dress the Salad:**
  • Drizzle the teriyaki dressing over the salad and toss gently to coat all the ingredients evenly.
  • **Serve:**
  • Serve immediately as a side dish or top with grilled chicken, tofu, or shrimp for a heartier meal.