Spinach Mandarin Salad with Honey Balsamic Dressing Recipe

If you’re searching for a vibrant, crowd-pleasing dish that’s as gorgeous as it is delicious, the Spinach Mandarin Salad with Honey Balsamic Dressing is sure to win you over at first bite. Imagine spoonfuls of sweet mandarin oranges nestled in a bed of tender baby spinach, balanced by creamy goat cheese, crunchy toasted almonds, and tart dried cranberries—all tossed with a honey-kissed balsamic dressing you’ll want to drizzle on just about everything. Whether you’re hosting a brunch, setting a festive table, or simply craving something fresh, this salad brightens up any meal and leaves everyone asking for seconds.

Ingredients You’ll Need

One of the joys of this Spinach Mandarin Salad with Honey Balsamic Dressing is just how accessible (yet impactful!) the ingredient list is. Each addition brings its own burst of flavor, texture, or color, ensuring every bite tastes balanced and inviting. Here’s what you’ll need, plus some helpful notes for perfection every time.

• Baby spinach (10 oz): These tender leaves form a fresh, vibrant base that beautifully soaks up the tangy dressing.
• Mandarin oranges (1 can, drained, or 4 fresh): Sweet, juicy segments add a pop of citrus that cuts through the richness.
• Red onion (1/4 cup, thinly sliced): A little bit goes a long way, providing a sharp, colorful contrast without overpowering the other flavors.
• Goat cheese crumbles (1/2 cup): Creamy and tangy, goat cheese balances the sweetness of the fruit and vinaigrette.
• Sliced almonds (1/2 cup): A quick toast intensifies their nutty crunch—don’t skip this step!
• Dried cranberries (1/2 cup): These rubies bring delightful chew and gentle tartness to each forkful.
• Olive oil (1/2 cup): The backbone of the dressing, lending richness and helping everything meld together.
• Balsamic vinegar (1/4 cup): Deep, mellow tang brings the right amount of acidity and depth.
• Honey (1–2 tablespoons): Adjust to your preference for a touch of floral sweetness in the dressing.
• Dijon mustard (2 teaspoons): This is your secret weapon for an emulsified, flavorful vinaigrette.
• Sea salt and pepper: Don’t underestimate the power of seasoning—bring the flavors to life!

How to Make Spinach Mandarin Salad with Honey Balsamic Dressing

Step 1: Toast the Almonds

Preheat your oven to 350°F. Spread the sliced almonds in a single layer on a baking sheet and toast them for 4 to 6 minutes. Keep a close eye—they go from golden to burnt in a flash! This quick step awakens a deep nuttiness that transforms the entire Spinach Mandarin Salad with Honey Balsamic Dressing from good to great.

Step 2: Prep the Salad Components

While the almonds cool, grab a medium bowl and start layering in the baby spinach, mandarin oranges, red onion slices, dried cranberries, and creamy goat cheese crumbles. If you’re assembling ahead of time, wait to add the almonds and cheese until just before serving so they keep their wonderful texture.

Step 3: Whisk the Honey Balsamic Dressing

In a small jar or bowl, combine the olive oil, balsamic vinegar, Dijon mustard, honey, a pinch of sea salt, and cracked black pepper. Give it a vigorous whisk (or shake) until it turns glossy and smooth. If it looks a bit thick, splash in a teaspoon or two of water to thin it out. Taste and tweak the salt, pepper, or honey until the balance is just right for your palate.

Step 4: Dress and Toss

When you’re ready to serve your Spinach Mandarin Salad with Honey Balsamic Dressing, drizzle on just enough dressing to coat everything lightly—you may have some leftover, and that’s a good thing! Gently toss until the leaves are shiny and the components are evenly distributed. Serve immediately, letting everyone marvel at the jewel-tone colors and irresistible aromas.

How to Serve Spinach Mandarin Salad with Honey Balsamic Dressing

Garnishes

Top your salad with a final flurry of extra goat cheese crumbles, a sprinkle of toasted almonds, and a twist of freshly ground black pepper. If you really want to wow your guests, a few microgreens or edible flowers tucked on top add both elegance and flair.

Side Dishes

This salad is wonderfully versatile. It’s a star as a light lunch on its own, but also pairs beautifully with grilled chicken, roasted salmon, or your favorite sandwich. Crusty artisan bread makes a dreamy companion—ready to mop up any extra honey balsamic dressing on your plate.

Creative Ways to Present

Consider serving Spinach Mandarin Salad with Honey Balsamic Dressing in individual glass cups for a dinner party, or building it as a stunning layered salad in a clear trifle bowl. For picnics or meal-prep, assemble all but the dressing and almonds in mason jars, adding the crunchy elements just before digging in.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you find yourself with leftovers (lucky you!), store the salad and dressing separately in airtight containers. This keeps the spinach crisp and prevents the nuts and cheese from getting soggy. The salad itself will stay perky in the fridge for a day, making a fabulous next-day lunch.

Freezing

Salads with tender greens and fresh fruit don’t hold up to freezing—the spinach wilts and the oranges lose their texture. Instead, enjoy this Spinach Mandarin Salad with Honey Balsamic Dressing freshly tossed, or prep its components ahead of time and assemble just before serving.

Reheating

Since this salad is best enjoyed cold or at room temperature, reheating isn’t necessary. If you want to warm it up, gently bring the dressing to room temp, but keep the greens and other fresh ingredients crisp straight from the fridge.

FAQs

Can I substitute another cheese for goat cheese?

Absolutely! Feta works beautifully for a saltier bite, while blue cheese adds a bold twist. Just be sure to crumble it finely so it distributes well throughout the Spinach Mandarin Salad with Honey Balsamic Dressing.

What’s the best way to slice red onion without overpowering the salad?

Slice the onion as thinly as possible—almost paper-thin. If you find raw red onion too sharp, soak the slices in cold water for 5–10 minutes before adding them to the salad for a milder taste.

Can I make the honey balsamic dressing ahead of time?

Yes! The honey balsamic dressing for your Spinach Mandarin Salad with Honey Balsamic Dressing holds beautifully in the fridge for up to a week. Give it a good whisk or shake before using, as it may separate a bit over time.

How can I make this salad vegan?

It’s simple—swap the goat cheese for a plant-based cheese or omit it entirely. Use maple syrup or agave nectar instead of honey in the dressing, and you’ll have a vegan-friendly version that loses none of the flavor or wow factor.

What protein can I add to make this a main course?

To turn your Spinach Mandarin Salad with Honey Balsamic Dressing into a hearty meal, try topping it with grilled chicken breast, seared salmon, or even chickpeas for a vegetarian boost. All work beautifully and absorb the dressing’s sweet-tangy notes.

Final Thoughts

If you’re ready for a fresh favorite, give the Spinach Mandarin Salad with Honey Balsamic Dressing a spin in your own kitchen. Every forkful bursts with color, crunch, and irresistible flavor—exactly the kind of dish that brightens up any day. I can’t wait for you to fall in love with it too!

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