Description
A bright, crunchy salad combining crisp Romaine and iceberg lettuces, toasted almonds, and sweet-marmalade Mandarin oranges, all tossed in a luscious poppy seed–soy dressing. Perfect as a light lunch or side for family dinners, this vibrant salad balances tangy, sweet, and savory flavors in every bite.
Ingredients
Units
Scale
- 2 stems Romaine lettuce (Washed and torn)
- 1/2 head Iceberg lettuce (Washed and torn)
- 2 cups Slivered almonds
- 1/4 cup Toasted sesame oil (Divided)
- 1/2 Tbsp Toasted sesame oil
- 1 Tbsp Butter
- 1 tsp Black pepper (Freshly cracked)
- 1 tsp Sea salt
- 1/4 tsp Cayenne pepper optional (For a slight kick)
- 1/2 cup Soy sauce (Low-sodium preferred)
- 1/2 cup Rice vinegar
- 1/4 cup Mild oil (Coconut avocado, or vegetable)
- 2 cans 15 oz Mandarin oranges (Drained (reserve 2 Tbsp juice for dressing))
- 3 Poppy seed cake & pie filling (Solo brand) (From a 12.5-oz can; gives sweetness & texture)
- 2 Tbsp Mayonnaise optional ( For extra creaminess)
- 2 Shallots finely minced
Instructions
Toast the Almonds:
- In a small saucepan over medium heat, melt butter with ¼ cup toasted sesame oil.
- Add slivered almonds, ½ tsp sea salt, and ½ tsp black pepper.
- Toast, stirring frequently, until lightly golden (3–4 minutes). Transfer to a plate to cool.
Prepare the Greens & Fruit:
- In a large salad bowl, combine torn Romaine and iceberg lettuces.
- Gently fold in drained Mandarin orange segments.
Make the Poppy Seed Dressing:
- In a medium bowl, whisk together reserved 2 Tbsp orange juice, soy sauce, rice vinegar, mild oil, ½ Tbsp sesame oil, poppy seed filling, and mayonnaise (if using).
- Season with remaining ½ tsp sea salt, ½ tsp black pepper, and cayenne (if desired). Adjust sweetness or tang to taste.
Assemble the Salad:
- Pour dressing over the lettuce–orange mixture and toss lightly to coat.
- Sprinkle toasted almonds and minced shallots on top.
Serve:
- Transfer to a serving platter or bowls. Garnish with extra sesame oil drizzle or a few poppy seeds if desired. Serve immediately.
Notes
- Make-Ahead: You can toast almonds and prepare dressing up to 1 day ahead; store separately.
- Variations: Add grilled chicken or shrimp for protein.
- Substitutions: Use slivered pecans or pumpkin seeds in place of almonds.
- Spice Level: Omit cayenne for mild flavor or increase to taste.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Category: Salad, Side Dish
- Cuisine: American, Fusion
Nutrition
- Calories: 280
