Description
A refreshing and vibrant Mandarin Apple Salad featuring crisp romaine lettuce, sweet mandarins, and crunchy apples, topped with walnuts, craisins, and creamy feta cheese, all brought together with a homemade sweet balsamic vinaigrette. Perfect as a light lunch or a side dish for any meal.
Ingredients
Scale
Salad
- 1 large head of romaine lettuce
- 1-2 medium apples
- 3-4 seedless mandarins
- 1/2 small red onion, finely chopped
- 1/2 cup walnuts (optional)
- 1/4 cup craisins (dried cranberries)
- 1/4 cup crumbled feta cheese (optional)
Sweet Balsamic Vinaigrette
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 3/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/4 cup balsamic vinegar
- Juice of 1/2 lemon
- 1/2 cup water (to keep apples from browning)
Instructions
- Prepare the lettuce: Wash, chop, and spin dry the romaine lettuce to remove any excess moisture. Transfer the clean greens into a large salad bowl.
- Add mandarins: Peel and separate the seedless mandarins into segments, then toss them gently into the salad bowl with the lettuce.
- Prepare apples: Chop the apples into 1/2 inch pieces. If you won’t be serving the salad immediately, place the apple pieces into a small bowl containing the juice of half a lemon mixed with 1/2 cup water to prevent browning. Drain before adding to the salad when ready to serve.
- Add toppings: Sprinkle the chopped red onion, walnuts, and craisins evenly over the salad.
- Dress and finish: Add the sweet balsamic vinaigrette dressing to taste over the salad and gently toss to combine all ingredients. Finally, sprinkle the salad with crumbled feta cheese if using. Serve immediately and enjoy!
Notes
- To keep apples from browning, soak them in lemon water until ready to add them to the salad.
- Walnuts, feta cheese, and craisins are optional and can be omitted for a simpler or allergen-friendly version.
- The sweet balsamic vinaigrette can be stored in the refrigerator for up to one week.
- Make sure to spin dry the lettuce thoroughly to prevent a watery salad.
