Name: Apple Mandarin Orange Pear and Feta Spinach Salad
Prep time: 25 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 55 min
Ingredients: 9 oz baby spinach; 3 small mandarin oranges (peeled and segmented); 2 small red gala apples (cored and diced); 2 Bartlett pears (cored and diced); 1 cup pecans (toasted and roughly chopped); 3/4 cup feta cheese (crumbled); 1/4 cup olive oil; 1/4 cup canola or vegetable oil; 2 tsp orange zest; 1/4 cup fresh orange juice; 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice; 2 tbsp honey; 2 tsp Dijon mustard; 1 tbsp poppy seeds; 1/4 tsp salt

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Whenever the fall season rolls around, I find myself craving something fresh and vibrant, and that’s when I whip up my go-to dish: Apple Mandarin Orange Pear and Feta Spinach Salad. This salad has become a staple on my dining table, offering a perfect balance of flavors and textures that just scream autumn. The crunch of the fresh spinach, sweet mandarin oranges, and juicy pears all come together harmoniously, making it a delightful addition to any meal or as a stand-alone dish. I remember the first time I made this salad for my family; their smiles and compliments were all I needed to know I’d struck gold. Plus, it’s so easy to prepare that I often find myself making it for unexpected guests or cozy dinners at home.

Recipe Snapshot

Total Time:
55 mins

Prep Time:
25 mins

Cook Time:
30 mins

Difficulty:
Medium

Calories:
260 kcal

Protein:
6 g

Diet:
Gluten-Free, Low FODMAP

Fat:
18 g

Tools Used:
Chef’s Knife, Cutting Board, Peeler

What You’ll Enjoy About This Apple Mandarin Orange Pear and Feta Spinach Salad

1. Wholesome Ingredients

What I love most about the Apple Mandarin Orange Pear and Feta Spinach Salad is how fresh and wholesome it is. Each ingredient brings its unique flavor and nutrition, creating a dish that’s not only pleasing to the palate but also good for your body. The baby spinach is packed with vitamins, while the apples and pears offer a sweet crunch that complements the creamy feta cheese.

2. Perfect for Fall

This salad embodies the essence of fall. The vibrant colors of the mandarin oranges and red gala apples mirror the changing leaves outside, while the ingredients are seasonal favorites. Each bite reminds me of cozy gatherings around the table, making it a perfect dish for harvest celebrations.

3. Versatile and Adaptable

One of the best things about this recipe is its versatility. You can easily make it your own by adding or swapping in different ingredients based on what you have at home. Feel free to include other nuts like walnuts or even some dried cranberries for an extra sweet and tangy kick.

4. Delightful Dressing

The homemade dressing made from orange juice, honey, and Dijon mustard takes this salad to another level. The dressing is a perfect blend of sweetness and acidity, elevating all the flavors without overpowering them. Plus, it’s super easy to make! Just shake everything up in a jar, and you’re done.

5. Great for Meal Prep

If you’re like me and love to prep meals for the week, this salad is ideal. It holds up well in the refrigerator, and you can keep the dressing separate until it’s time to serve. This makes it perfect for quick lunches or light dinners when you want something healthy but don’t have much time to cook.

What to Gather for Apple Mandarin Orange Pear and Feta Spinach Salad

Gathering fresh ingredients is the cornerstone of a fantastic salad. For the Apple Mandarin Orange Pear and Feta Spinach Salad, each component plays a vital role in balancing flavor and texture. The combination of sweet fruits, crunchy nuts, and creamy cheese creates an inviting dish that’s perfect for any occasion.

9 oz baby spinach: The base of your salad, providing a nutritious green that’s rich in vitamins and minerals.
3 small mandarin oranges, peeled and segmented: These add a burst of sweetness and a beautiful pop of color.
2 small red gala apples, cored and diced: Their crisp texture and sweet flavor complement the other ingredients perfectly.
2 Bartlett pears, cored and diced: Juicy and sweet, they add a richness to the salad.
1 cup pecans, toasted and roughly chopped: The nuts provide a crunchy element that contrasts nicely with the soft fruits.
3/4 cup feta cheese, crumbled: Creamy and tangy, it brings depth to the dish.
1/4 cup olive oil: This healthy fat helps to dress the salad.
1/4 cup canola or vegetable oil: Balances the olive oil while providing a smooth texture.
2 tsp orange zest: Adds an extra layer of citrus flavor.
1/4 cup fresh orange juice: For the dressing, bringing sweetness and acidity.
2 tbsp fresh lemon juice: Brightens the flavors of the salad.
2 tbsp honey: A natural sweetener that enhances the fruitiness of the salad.
2 tsp Dijon mustard: Adds a subtle kick to the dressing.
1 tbsp poppy seeds: For a sprinkle of texture and a slightly nutty flavor.
1/4 tsp salt: Enhances the flavor of all the ingredients.

Instructions for Apple Mandarin Orange Pear and Feta Spinach Salad

Making the Apple Mandarin Orange Pear and Feta Spinach Salad is a straightforward process that anyone can master. Just follow these simple steps to create a vibrant, delicious salad that’s sure to impress.

Start by preparing your dressing. In a jar, combine the olive oil, canola oil, orange zest, orange juice, lemon juice, honey, Dijon mustard, and salt. Secure the lid tightly and shake vigorously until all ingredients are well combined and emulsified. This should take about 30 seconds to a minute. If you have time, let it chill in the fridge for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
While the dressing is chilling, prepare the salad. Begin by layering the baby spinach in a large salad bowl, creating a fresh green base that will hold all the delicious toppings.
Next, dice the red gala apples and Bartlett pears. Their sweetness will contrast beautifully with the savory feta cheese. Scatter the diced fruits over the spinach.
Peel and segment the mandarin oranges, then arrange them on top of the salad. Their juicy segments will add both a bright color and a refreshing sweetness to each bite.
Toast the pecans in a dry skillet over medium heat for about 3 to 5 minutes, stirring frequently to prevent burning. Once they’re fragrant and slightly browned, remove them from the heat and let them cool for a moment before adding them to the salad.
Once all your ingredients are layered in the bowl, sprinkle the crumbled feta cheese generously over the top. This will add a creamy tang that complements the sweetness of the fruits.
When you’re ready to serve, take the dressing out of the fridge, give it another shake, and drizzle it over the salad. Toss gently to coat all the ingredients evenly. Be careful not to overmix, as you want the chunks of fruit to remain intact.
Finally, serve the Apple Mandarin Orange Pear and Feta Spinach Salad immediately for the best texture and flavor. Enjoy this delightful dish as a side or a light main course!

Things Worth Knowing

Storage: If you have leftovers, store the salad without dressing in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Dress only what you need to keep the ingredients fresh.
Freezing: This salad is best enjoyed fresh and does not freeze well due to the spinach and fresh fruits.
Variations: Experiment with different cheeses or nuts based on your preferences. Try adding crumbled goat cheese or walnuts for a twist.
Seasonal Ingredients: Feel free to use seasonal fruits available in your area. The salad works well with seasonal variations throughout the year.
Serving Suggestions: Pair this salad with grilled chicken or fish for a complete meal.

Tips and Tricks about Apple Mandarin Orange Pear and Feta Spinach Salad

Creating the perfect Apple Mandarin Orange Pear and Feta Spinach Salad involves more than just following the recipe. Here are some tips to elevate your dish:

Choose Fresh Ingredients: Always select the freshest spinach, fruits, and nuts for the best flavor and texture.
Customize Your Dressing: Feel free to tweak the dressing by adding herbs or spices that you love, such as thyme or garlic powder.
Mix and Match Fruits: Use any seasonal fruits available. Strawberries, blueberries, or even pomegranate seeds can be great additions.
Prep Ahead: To save time, you can prepare the ingredients and dressing a day in advance. Just keep them separate until you’re ready to serve.
Balance the Flavors: Taste as you go, and adjust the sweetness or acidity to your preference by adding more honey or lemon juice.
Presentation Matters: For a beautiful presentation, layer the ingredients in a clear bowl to show off the vibrant colors of the salad.

Accompaniments for Apple Mandarin Orange Pear and Feta Spinach Salad

Serving the Apple Mandarin Orange Pear and Feta Spinach Salad can be a delightful experience. Here are some ideas on how to present it:

Hearty Grains: Pair the salad with a side of quinoa or couscous for a wholesome meal.
Grilled Proteins: It complements grilled chicken or salmon beautifully, making it perfect for a filling lunch or dinner.
Lunch Option: Serve it as a light lunch alongside a bowl of soup during the colder months.
Holiday Celebrations: This salad is a fantastic dish for Thanksgiving or holiday dinners, adding color and freshness to your table.
Picnic Favorite: Pack it for a picnic or potluck; its vibrant colors are sure to impress your friends and family.
Store in the Fridge: If you have leftovers, store the salad in a sealed container and enjoy it for up to two days, but dress it just before serving to maintain its freshness.

FAQ

Absolutely! The dressing for the Apple Mandarin Orange Pear and Feta Spinach Salad can be made a day ahead. Just store it in a jar in the refrigerator. Give it a good shake before using to recombine the ingredients, as they may separate while sitting.

If you’re not a fan of feta cheese, you can try crumbled goat cheese or even a vegan cheese option if you’re looking for a dairy-free choice. Both alternatives provide a creamy texture and will blend nicely with the salad’s other flavors.

Yes, the Apple Mandarin Orange Pear and Feta Spinach Salad is perfect for meal prep! Just keep the dressing separate until you’re ready to serve. The salad can be stored in the fridge for up to two days, making it easy to grab for lunches or dinners throughout the week.

Definitely! One of the best things about this salad is its versatility. You can add or swap in any seasonal fruits you love, such as strawberries, blueberries, or even pomegranate seeds. The key is to balance the flavors and textures to suit your taste.

Conclusion

The Apple Mandarin Orange Pear and Feta Spinach Salad is a refreshing and vibrant dish that’s both nutritious and delicious. With its delightful mix of fresh fruits and creamy feta, it’s sure to be a hit at your table. I encourage you to give it a try; it might just become your new favorite salad!