Mandarin, Spinach & Feta Salad
A bright, refreshing spinach salad with juicy mandarin oranges and tangy feta cheese. The sweet citrus and salty cheese create a perfect balance, while toasted almonds add a satisfying crunch. Ready in just 15 minutes, it makes a light lunch or a beautiful side for any meal.
For 4 servings
- prep · ~3 min
Toast the sliced almonds.
1.Place a small skillet over medium heat.2.Add sliced almonds and toast, stirring frequently, until golden and fragrant (2-3 minutes).3.Immediately transfer to a plate to cool and stop the cooking.TIPWatch the almonds closely — they go from golden to burnt in seconds. Remove from heat the moment you smell their nutty aroma. - mix · ~2 min
Make the honey-lemon dressing.
1.In a small bowl, combine olive oil, fresh lemon juice, and honey.2.Add a pinch of salt and a pinch of black pepper.3.Whisk until the honey is fully dissolved and the dressing is emulsified. - prep · ~3 min
Prepare the mandarin oranges.
Peel the mandarins and gently separate them into individual segments. Remove any loose white pith for the cleanest flavor and appearance.
- assemble · ~2 min
Assemble the salad.
1.Place the baby spinach in a large salad bowl.2.Scatter the mandarin orange segments over the spinach.3.Add the thinly sliced red onion and crumbled feta cheese.4.Drizzle the dressing evenly over the salad.TIPHold back a few orange segments and a bit of feta to arrange on top for a prettier presentation. - mix · ~1 min
Toss gently and finish.
1.Using clean hands or salad tongs, gently toss the salad until everything is lightly coated with dressing.2.Sprinkle the toasted almonds over the top.TIPAdd almonds last so they stay crunchy. Tossing with hands is gentler on the spinach leaves than tongs. - serve
Serve immediately.
Divide the salad among four plates or bowls and enjoy right away while the spinach is fresh and the almonds are crisp.
What to keep in mind.
6 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1Dry the spinach leaves thoroughly after washing so the dressing clings instead of sliding off.
- 2Toast almonds in a dry pan over medium heat, shaking often, until they smell nutty and look lightly browned.
- 3Toss the salad with your hands to gently coat the leaves without bruising the spinach.
- 4Add the toasted almonds just before serving to preserve their crunch.
- 5Remove white pith from mandarin segments for a cleaner taste and prettier presentation.
- 6If making ahead, keep dressing separate and combine just before serving to prevent sogginess.
Adapt it for your goals.
High-Protein
Add grilled chicken breast strips or chickpeas to turn this side salad into a filling main course with extra protein.
VeganVegan
Replace feta with crumbled firm tofu marinated in lemon and salt, and use maple syrup instead of honey for a plant-based version.
Nut FreeNut-Free
Substitute toasted pumpkin seeds or sunflower seeds for almonds to keep the crunch while avoiding tree nuts.
Why this is on our healthy list.
Rich in Vitamin C
Mandarin oranges provide a good dose of vitamin C, which supports immune function and helps your body absorb iron from the spinach.
Bone-Supporting Calcium
Feta cheese contributes calcium for strong bones and teeth, while adding a tangy flavor that complements the citrus.
Heart-Healthy Fats
Almonds and extra virgin olive oil offer unsaturated fats that may support cardiovascular health when eaten as part of a balanced diet.
Frequently asked questions
Yes, but drain them well and pat dry to avoid excess liquid that will make the salad watery. Fresh segments have better texture and less added sugar.
