Perfectly Balanced Salad with Tangerine Vinaigrette

Keyword: balanced salad

A balanced salad is a delightful way to enjoy a wide array of nutrients in one meal. It’s not just about the crunch and freshness; it's also about maintaining a harmonious balance between different flavors and textures. Today, we will walk you through creating a simple yet delicious balanced salad. This recipe features an inviting tangerine vinaigrette that adds a unique twist to any traditional green salad. The perfect combination of sweet, tangy, and slightly spicy ingredients makes this dish a favorite among many.

The cooking time for the entire preparation is approximately 20 minutes, and it serves four people generously. With its easy-to-follow steps, you'll have no trouble preparing this healthy and refreshing meal at home!

Ingredients

4 cups of mixed greens (arugula, spinach, romaine lettuce)
1 small cucumber, sliced thinly into rounds
1 medium-sized tangerine, peeled and segmented
1/2 cup of cherry tomatoes, halved
1/4 cup of roasted almonds, finely chopped
1 small red onion, thinly sliced into rings
For the tangerine vinaigrette: 3 tablespoons of olive oil, juice from half a lemon, 1 tablespoon of honey, 1 teaspoon of Dijon mustard, salt to taste, black pepper to taste

Instructions

Start by preparing the dressing for your salad. In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, honey, and Dijon mustard until well combined. Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.
Rinse all the greens thoroughly under cold water and pat them dry using paper towels. Tear or cut the leaves into bite-sized pieces if necessary.
In a large mixing bowl, gently mix the mixed greens with half of the chopped roasted almonds for extra crunchiness.
Arrange the sliced cucumber and red onion on top of the greens. Be sure to layer the ingredients so that each bite contains a variety of flavors and textures.
Add in the halved cherry tomatoes, followed by the tangerine segments for sweetness and tartness. Gently toss everything together until all components are evenly distributed.
Drizzle the prepared vinaigrette over the salad just before serving to maintain its vibrant color and freshness. Toss once more to ensure that all ingredients are lightly coated with dressing.

Nutritional Information (per serving)

The balanced salad provided in this recipe offers a good balance of macronutrients—carbohydrates, proteins, fats, vitamins, and minerals. Each serving contains approximately:

Calories: 150 kcal
Total Fat: 8g (with healthy fats like olive oil)
Carbohydrates: 12g (from vegetables and tangerines)
Fiber: 4g
Protein: 3.5g
Vitamin C: 60% of the recommended daily intake
Potassium: 12% of the recommended daily intake

Tips for a Balanced Salad

To further enhance your salad experience, consider adding some protein sources such as grilled chicken or boiled eggs. You could also experiment with different dressings like balsamic vinaigrette or lemon-herb dressing to keep things exciting.

Remember that balance is key when preparing a balanced salad. By incorporating a variety of vegetables, fruits, nuts, and proteins into your meal, you ensure that it meets various nutritional needs while still being enjoyable. Whether you're looking for weight management or simply want to enjoy delicious greens, this recipe caters to both.

Culinary Artistry

Creating a visually appealing presentation is crucial when serving balanced salads. Arrange the salad attractively on your plate by alternating colors and textures. A beautiful presentation can make all the difference in enticing your guests or family members into trying this delightful dish.

Conclusion

A well-prepared balanced salad is more than just a meal; it's an art form that celebrates simplicity yet delivers complex flavors and textures. By following our easy-to-follow instructions, you can easily prepare this vibrant salad for any occasion. Not only does it satisfy your taste buds but also nourishes your body with essential nutrients.

Try this recipe today and enjoy the benefits of a balanced diet in every bite!