Spinach Salad with Mandarin Oranges and Dijon Vinaigrette

http://teriskitchen.com/salads-recipes/spinach-salad-with-mandarin-oranges.html

Serves 4 to 6

This recipe for spinach salad with mandarin oranges, which came from my mother, is a quick and easy side dish that she usually served with Chinese food. However, it is a delicious salad that complements most any meal and can be served as a light main dish for lunch or dinner.

Ingredients

• 1 pound fresh curly spinach leaves (see notes below)
• 1 can (about 8 ounces) Mandarin orange segments, drained and juice reserved (see notes below)
• 1 medium red or sweet onion, sliced into thin rings

   Dressing

• 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
• 2 teaspoons prepared yellow or Dijon mustard
• Reserved juice from Mandarin oranges
• Salt and pepper to taste
• About 6 tablespoons canola or olive oil

Remove large stems from spinach leaves; clean thoroughly and dry. Break into pieces. Toss with onions and Mandarin oranges in large salad bowl.

Mix together the vinegar, mustard, orange juice, salt and pepper. Gradually whisk in the oil until well-blended and slightly thickened. Pour over the spinach; toss and serve immediately.

Notes: This salad is best with curly spinach, not flat leaf, because it is a little heartier. If you can find packages of prewashed curly spinach, you will need about 10-ounces. When my mother created this recipe, Mandarin oranges were only available in cans and they are very good. Nowadays, you can find fresh Mandarin oranges or similar varieties in the produce section of most grocery stores at various times throughout the year and, if desired, they can be substituted. Purchase an extra orange for the juice.

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