Here’s a colorful green salad recipe with a mandarin orange dressing that is full of delicious flavor!
Throw in any or all of your favorite veggies!
Vegan Salad Recipe
This yummy recipe is from my friend Jenny. Vegan is Jenny’s jam. This salad is a vegetarian dream. There’s a little bit of everything healthy going on here.
But for me, gimme a side of animal protein, too, please. Fortunately, this green salad works both ways. It stands alone beautifully but would pair with just about anything.
Salad for a Party
This rainbow-colored salad is perfect for a party, potluck, or hosting of any kind.
It’s a great salad for guests because you can get creative and customize it as you plate it, and it’s a showstopper.
Serve the salad alone, with croissants or bread, or add a protein on the side, such as grilled chicken, steak, or ribs.
Eating Salads Every Day
If you prefer a low-maintenance life as I do, assemble the salad for yourself on the weekend and enjoy it for lunch or dinner all week.
No cooking is required, just a little chopping. I use this vegetable chopper to make it fast and easy. (affiliate link)
How to Make Salads Healthy
The easiest way to make them healthier is by adding more vegetables, keeping your salad dressing light and clean, and minimizing sugar or unhealthy additives.
Salads are an excellent and delicious strategy for getting healthier.
According to Nutritional Weight and Wellness of St Paul, Minnesota, you should eat five to nine cups of vegetables each day. A salad is a great way to accomplish this.
The benefits are outstanding; vegetables lower heart disease risk, help prevent cancer, and support you in maintaining a healthy weight, to name a few.
Vegetable Choppers
One of Jenny’s secret salad ingredients is in her kitchen equipment.
She uses this awesome chopper to make easy and fast work out of what could be a very time-consuming task.
It’s available on Amazon, and it’s an investment, but I saw it in action, and I ordered one very similar. (affiliate links below) I am listing three that get great reviews.
There is something about chopping that I dread, so this definitely makes it more fun! And FAST!
Okay, let’s get started. Here’s what you will need for the salad recipe:
Salad Ingredients
Here’s what Jenny tossed in her salad today. Starting at the top of the plate below, going clockwise:
Veggie Selections
Romaine Lettuce (for the salad base)
Red Onion
Yellow Pepper
Red Pepper
Orange Pepper
Cucumber
Carrots
Feta
Pecans
Dressing Ingredients
Balsamic vinegar
Olive oil
Garlic
Mandarin oranges
Salt and Pepper
Additional Extras
This salad is so easy to customize. Below are additional ideas to make it your own:
Nuts
Pistachios
Walnuts
Cashews
Dried Cranberries
Cheese
Blue Cheese
Cheddar Cheese
Parmigiano-Reggiano
Goat Cheese
Additional Veggies
Avocado
Broccoli
Jicama
Tomatoes
Beans
Garbanzo Beans
Black Beans
Northern White Beans
Jenny’s Everyday Salad
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
Description
Here’s a delicious salad, that is just beautiful, perfect on its own for hosting friends, complementing a dinner with the family, or for your very own daily dose of vegetables.
Ingredients
Dressing
1/4 cup balsamic vinegar
1/2 cup olive oil
1 teaspoon garlic, minced
1/2 tablespoon juice of one plastic container of mandarin oranges
salt, to taste
pepper, to taste
Salad
Your choice of:
Lettuce
Vegetables
Nuts
Instructions
Dressing
Whisk first 4 dressing ingredients together. Season with salt and pepper.
Salad
Choose what you love and take advantage of what is in season. Customize the salad, using your favorite lettuce, vegetables, and nuts. Ideas might include spinach, arugula or spring mix. Add sliced red onion, peppers, broccoli, and carrots. Gently fold in tomatoes and mandarin orange slices. and cheese of your choice. Top with pecans, Craisins, beets, and cheese of your choice.
Notes
Store dressing and salad ingredients separately in the refrigerator so you can enjoy all week long.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Salads
- Method: Assembly
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: Salad recipe, Romaine Lettuce, Dressing Ingredients, Balsamic vinegar, Mandarin oranges, Everyday, Easy, Entertaining
Vegan Salad Ideas
Below are two more delicious vegan salad recipes you should try on the site. These are 2 of my top 10 go-to summer salads!
Summer Spinach Salad
Zoodle Salad with Thai Peanut Sauce
More Healthy Recipes
Find more nutritious and wholesome recipe ideas below.
Spinach Quiche with Sundried Tomatoes
Chocolate and Banana Protein Shake
Gluten-Free Banana Bread
I hope you will make one of these delicious salads to enjoy or make for your next gathering with friends! If you do, please let me know in the comment box below.
Wishing you spectacular SALAD days ahead,
xo,
Cindy
References
Nutritional Weight and Wellness, St. Paul, Minnesota
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Great recipe, everybody loved it.
★★★★★
Jonathon, happy to hear!
Great recipe – very tasty!
★★★★★
Glad you enjoyed it, Leila!