Ultimate Mandarin Orange Salad with Creamy Poppy Seed Dressing Perfection | Flirt Recipes

Ingredients

• For the Fresh Salad Base:
• 8 cups mixed baby greens (spinach, arugula, spring mix)
• 4 cups fresh mandarin orange segments
• Or 2 cans (11 oz each) mandarin oranges, drained
• For the Crunchy Elements:
• 1/2 cup sliced almonds, toasted
• 1/4 cup pine nuts, toasted
• 1/3 cup dried cranberries
• 1/4 cup sunflower seeds
• For the Cheese Component:
• 4 oz feta cheese, crumbled
• Or 1/2 cup goat cheese, crumbled
• For the Creamy Poppy Seed Dressing:
• 1/3 cup mayonnaise
• 1/4 cup sour cream
• 3 tablespoons honey
• 2 tablespoons white wine vinegar
• 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
• 1 teaspoon poppy seeds
• 1/2 teaspoon Dijon mustard
• For the Flavor Enhancement:
• 1 tablespoon fresh orange zest
• 2 tablespoons fresh chives, chopped
• 1 tablespoon fresh mint leaves, chopped
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/8 teaspoon white pepper
• For the Vegetable Addition:
• 1 small red onion, thinly sliced
• 1 cucumber, peeled and sliced
• 1 avocado, sliced (optional)
• For the Extra Citrus:
• 1 grapefruit, peeled and segmented
• 2 tablespoons fresh lime juice
• For the Crispy Garnish:
• 1/4 cup candied pecans
• 2 tablespoons pomegranate seeds
• Edible flowers for decoration
• For the Alternative Dressing:
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
• 1 teaspoon honey
• For Special Equipment:
• Large salad bowl
• Small whisk
• Fine-mesh strainer
• Sharp knife