Tangerine & Spinach Salad
A light and refreshing salad combining the bright sweetness of tangerine with the earthy notes of baby spinach, salty feta, and crunchy toasted almonds, all brought together by a zesty homemade vinaigrette.
For 2 servings
Prepare the Vinaigrette: In a small bowl or jar, whisk together the extra virgin olive oil, white wine vinegar, honey (or maple syrup), Dijon mustard, fine sea salt, and freshly ground black pepper until well combined and emulsified. Set aside.
Toast the Almonds (if not pre-toasted): If your almonds are not already toasted, spread them in a single layer on a dry skillet over medium-low heat. Toast for 3-5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until fragrant and lightly golden. Be careful not to burn them. Remove from heat and let cool.
Prepare the Tangerine: Peel the tangerine and carefully segment it, removing as much of the white pith as possible. You can do this over a bowl to catch any juice for the salad.
Wash and Dry Spinach: Gently wash the baby spinach under cold water and thoroughly dry it using a salad spinner or by patting it with paper towels. Excess water will dilute the dressing.
Assemble the Salad: In a large mixing bowl, combine the dried baby spinach and tangerine segments.
Dress and Serve: Just before serving, drizzle the prepared vinaigrette over the spinach and tangerine. Toss gently to coat.
Add Toppings: Divide the salad among serving plates. Sprinkle the crumbled feta cheese and toasted almonds over each portion. Serve immediately.
What to keep in mind.
4 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1Don't Overdress: Add vinaigrette gradually and toss, tasting as you go, to avoid a soggy salad. You might not need all of it.
- 2Chill Your Greens: For extra crispness, chill your washed and dried spinach in the refrigerator for at least 15-20 minutes before assembling.
- 3Segmenting Citrus: To get perfect, pith-free segments, slice off the top and bottom of the tangerine. Stand it on one end and carefully slice downwards, following the curve of the fruit, to remove the peel and pith. Then, slice between the membranes to release the segments.
- 4Make Ahead: Prepare the vinaigrette, toast almonds, and segment tangerines in advance. Store separately. Assemble and dress just before serving for best texture.
Adapt it for your goals.
Protein Boost
Add grilled chicken, shrimp, or a handful of chickpeas for a more substantial meal.
Cheese SwapCheese Swap
Substitute feta with goat cheese for a creamier, tangier note, or shaved Parmesan for a saltier, umami kick.
Nut & Seed VarietyNut & Seed Variety
Experiment with pecans, walnuts, sunflower seeds, or pumpkin seeds instead of almonds for different textures and flavors.
Why this is on our healthy list.
Rich in Vitamin C
Tangerines are an excellent source of Vitamin C, which supports immune function and acts as a powerful antioxidant.
Boosts Bone Health
Feta cheese provides calcium and phosphorus, essential minerals for maintaining strong bones and teeth.
Fiber-Packed Greens
Baby spinach is high in dietary fiber, promoting healthy digestion and contributing to a feeling of fullness.
Frequently asked questions
Absolutely! Oranges, mandarins, or even grapefruit segments would work wonderfully, offering slightly different flavor profiles. Just ensure they are peeled and segmented properly.
