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Asparagus Mandarin Orange Salad Recipe

Brighten your spring and summer with this vibrant Asparagus Mandarin Orange Salad! This refreshing recipe, originally submitted to the Stockton Asparagus Festival by a local TV station, is bursting with fresh flavors. The perfectly blanched asparagus spears are complemented by juicy mandarin oranges and sweet grapes, all tossed in your favorite dressing and topped with crunchy roasted almonds. A quick and easy meal prep or side dish that's sure to impress!

Prep Time 20 mins
Cook Time 30 mins
Calories 218.9 kcal
Protein 14g
Rating 4.0 (1 Reviews)
Asparagus Mandarin Orange Salad

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Recipe Author

Chef Forktionary, author of this recipe

Passionate home cook & Forktionary contributor.

Ingredients for Asparagus Mandarin Orange Salad

  • 1 pound asparagus
  • Mandarin Orange
  • Red Seedless Grapes
  • Carrot
  • Celery
  • Slivered Almonds
  • Salt
  • White Pepper
  • 1/4 cup your favorite salad dressing (vinaigrette recommended)

How to Make Asparagus Mandarin Orange Salad

  1. Snap off the tough ends of 1 pound asparagus. Cut the spears on the diagonal into 1-inch pieces.
  2. Blanch the asparagus in boiling salted water for 2-3 minutes, until bright green and crisp-tender. Immediately plunge into ice water to stop the cooking process. Drain well.
  3. In a large bowl, combine the blanched asparagus with 1 cup segmented mandarin oranges, 1/2 cup halved red grapes, and 1/4 cup chopped red onion.
  4. Add 1/4 cup of your favorite salad dressing (vinaigrette recommended). Toss gently to combine.
  5. Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.
  6. Top with 1/4 cup toasted slivered almonds before serving.

Chef's Tip for Extra Flavor

Want to unlock deeper, more complex flavors? Try toasting your whole spices before grinding them, or blooming ground spices in a little warm oil to enhance their aroma. Deglazing your pan with a bit of stock, wine, or even water after browning ingredients can capture those tasty caramelized bits, adding richness to your dish.

Nutrition Information (Approximate per serving)

Sodium

20 g

Sugar

72g

Fat

11g

Carbs

9g

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30 Minutes Or Less Time To Make Course Main Ingredient Preparation Occasion Low Protein Healthy Salads Fruit Vegetables Easy Potluck Diabetic Dinner Party Vegetarian Stove Top Dietary Low Cholesterol Low Saturated Fat Low Calorie Healthy 2 Low In Something Asparagus To Go Equipment