Spinach Salad with Mandarin Oranges

This flavorful spinach salad with mandarin oranges is a perfect flavor packed vegetarian winter salad. It's a quick salad that just takes 15 minutes to make, plus it's got a few greens, mandarin oranges, edamame, and an orange & ginger vinaigrette.

This post was created in partnership with Sprouts Farmers Market. I have been compensated for my time commitment. However, my opinions are entirely my own and I have not been paid to publish positive comments.

How will this spinach salad with mandarin oranges make your life easier?

This salad is great because all the ingredients are easy to find, and can all be found at Sprouts Farmers Market for a great price. I've said it before, but they've got the best priced produce in Salt Lake. I got a bag of fresh mandarin oranges for this post for just $2.

And if you like yummy wintery salads, try this grapefruit & avocado salad, this warm kale salad, or simple warm salad.

What makes this spinach salad so good?

• Spinach/Mixed Greens
• Mandarin Oranges
• Olive Oil
• Broccoli
• Ginger
• Pistachios
• Edamame

How do I make this salad?

Start by making the dressing: add juice two small mandarin oranges (~2T juice), add 1 T olive oil, 1 teaspoon grated ginger, and a pinch of salt to a small mixing bowl. Whisk together.

Expert Tip: Taste for salt and ginger preferences- add more if desired.

Expert Tip: Don't have fresh or frozen ginger (I have a whole frozen knob of ginger in my freezer, and I grate ginger from that when I need it)- add ⅛t ground ginger.

Prepare the veggies: defrost the edamame by letting it sit in warm water, change a few times. Or defrost in the microwave. Chop broccoli.

Expert Tip: If you have 20 minutes, roast broccoli for added flavor and crunch. (about 15-20 minutes at 400 degrees)

Assemble the salad by adding 2 cups 50/50 mixed greens or just spinach to a serving bowl, then add 1 c chopped broccoli, 1 c thawed edamame, and ¼ c chopped pistachios.

Expert Tip: Add other vegetables in your fridge to reduce food waste.

Peel or slice the peel off of 2 mandarin oranges. Cut thin slices. Remove seeds, then add to salad and finish off with the dressing. Toss salad and enjoy immediately.

Expert Tip: Use whatever greens you have on hand-spinach, mixed greens, kale, baby kale, arugula, etc.

Serve with your favorite crusty bread or add your favorite grain to the salad (like farro, rice, quinoa, or wheat berries).

Expert Tips

• Taste for salt and ginger preferences- add more if desired.
• Don't have fresh or frozen ginger (I have a whole frozen knob of ginger in my freezer, and I grate ginger from that when I need it)- add ⅛t ground ginger.
• If you have 20 minutes, roast broccoli for added flavor and crunch. (about 15-20 minutes at 400 degrees)
• Add other vegetables in your fridge to reduce food waste.
• Use whatever greens you have on hand-spinach, mixed greens, kale, baby kale, arugula, etc.
• Serve with your favorite grain: farro, rice, quinoa, or toast.

FAQ

How do you prepare spinach for salad?

Wash, dry, and chop if not using baby spinach so the leaves aren't too big.

Do I need to wash bagged spinach?

Most bagged spinach has been washed, but it can still be sandy. Rinse spinach out in a bowl of cold water and pat dry.

Can I substitute the mandarin oranges?

Yes, any oranges will work. The smaller ones (like the kid friendly-easy peel ones are best because they usually are sweet and have a lot of flavor), but Valencia and navel oranges will work too.

How can I repurpose this spinach salad with mandarin oranges?

• Add some grilled chicken or salmon to it
• Wrap it in a tortilla for a simple spinach wrap

What can I make with leftover ingredients?

• (spinach) Thai Beef with Fried Garlic & Spinach, Grapefruit & Avocado Salad, or this Mixed Fruit Smoothie.
• (mandarin oranges) Use the juice to make whipped cream for this gingerbread cake, add them to another salad.
• (broccoli) Beef & Broccoli, Broccoli Salad with Grapes, Chicken & Broccoli, or this Easy Shrimp Sheet Pan Dinner.
• (edamame) Beef & Broccoli, Beet & Arugula Salad, Grapefruit & Avocado Salad, or this Spring Green Pesto Pasta.

Did you make this spinach salad with mandarin oranges? Leave me a comment & rating to share how it turned out!

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