Spinach Salad with Tangerine & Almonds
This vibrant Spinach Salad with Tangerine & Almonds is a refreshing and nutrient-dense meal, combining sweet citrus, crunchy nuts, and savory feta on a bed of fresh baby spinach.
For 2 servings
**Prepare the Vinaigrette:** In a small bowl, whisk together the extra virgin olive oil, white wine vinegar, Dijon mustard, sea salt, and freshly ground black pepper until well emulsified. Set aside.
**Segment Tangerines:** Carefully peel the two medium tangerines. Using a small, sharp knife, segment the tangerines by cutting along the membranes to release the individual citrus segments, discarding any seeds and membranes.
**Toast Almonds (if needed):** If your slivered almonds are not pre-toasted, spread them in a single layer on a dry skillet over medium-low heat. Toast for 3-5 minutes, stirring frequently, until lightly golden and fragrant. Let cool slightly.
**Dress the Spinach:** In a large mixing bowl, place the baby spinach. Pour about two-thirds of the prepared vinaigrette over the spinach. Gently toss until the spinach is lightly coated. Add more dressing if desired, reserving a little for drizzling.
**Assemble the Salad:** Divide the dressed spinach evenly among two serving plates or bowls. Arrange the fresh tangerine segments evenly over the spinach.
**Add Toppings:** Sprinkle the toasted slivered almonds and crumbled feta cheese over the tangerine and spinach. If desired, add grilled chicken strips for a more substantial meal.
**Serve:** Serve immediately, optionally with a final drizzle of any remaining vinaigrette.
What to keep in mind.
4 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1**Perfectly Toasted Nuts:** For maximum flavor and crunch, always toast your nuts. Keep a close eye on them as they can burn quickly; remove from heat as soon as they are fragrant and lightly golden.
- 2**Emulsify Your Dressing:** Whisking the dressing vigorously or shaking it in a sealed jar helps the oil and vinegar combine properly, creating a smooth, cohesive vinaigrette that coats the greens evenly.
- 3**Segmenting Citrus:** To get clean, juicy segments (supremes), use a sharp paring knife to remove the peel and white pith, then carefully cut between the membranes to release the fruit.
- 4**Dress Just Before Serving:** To prevent the spinach from wilting and becoming soggy, always dress the salad right before you plan to eat it. This ensures maximum freshness and crispness.
Adapt it for your goals.
Fruit Swap
Replace tangerines with orange segments, grapefruit, or even sliced strawberries or pear for a different sweet and tangy note.
Nut & Seed MixNut & Seed Mix
Experiment with pecans, walnuts, pepitas, or sunflower seeds instead of almonds for varied texture and additional nutritional benefits.
Cheese & ProteinCheese & Protein
Substitute feta with goat cheese or shaved Parmesan. For a complete meal, add grilled shrimp, salmon, or chickpeas for a protein boost.
Why this is on our healthy list.
Rich in Vitamins & Minerals
Spinach is packed with Vitamin K, Vitamin A, Vitamin C, and folate, essential for bone health, vision, and cell function, contributing to overall well-being.
Immune System Support
Tangerines are an excellent source of Vitamin C, a powerful antioxidant that helps boost the immune system, protect against cellular damage, and promote skin health.
Healthy Fats & Fiber
Almonds provide healthy monounsaturated fats, protein, and fiber, contributing to satiety, heart health, and digestive wellness, making this salad a truly nourishing choice.
Frequently asked questions
It's best to assemble and dress this salad just before serving to keep the spinach crisp. However, you can prepare the dressing, segment the tangerines, and toast the almonds in advance, storing them separately in airtight containers.
