Mandarin Almond Salad

Several years ago we attended a family retreat. Our kids were small and the idea of a weekend away with built in child care sounded good to us. The retreat center was rustic and designed for outdoor fun. There were playgrounds, trampolines, go-carts, paint ball, archery, and hiking. The sleeping accommodations were rooms stacked with bunk beds. The kids were in heaven.

After a windy day of playing and go-carting we were told by the retreat staff that they had a surprise for us. They had arranged an evening of childcare for us so that we could enjoy a candle light dinner as adults with our sweethearts. We dropped our kids off and headed to the dining room. It had been decorated with twinkly lights and soft music was playing in the background. The tables had been covered with pretty white tablecloths and decorated with lit candles and red roses. We were served by waiters wearing dress shirts and ties.

Our first course was salad. It was a simple salad made with green leaf lettuce, green onions, sliced almonds and mandarin oranges. And, it was tossed with light vinaigrette. We all enjoyed the salad and agreed that it was something special. We took turns guessing the ingredients of the vinaigrette. When the meal was over, I asked about the dressing. The chef in charge had already left. I was disappointed. I wanted to make the salad at home.

For several weeks after the retreat, I worked hard to duplicate that dressing. I tried many variations. Most of them tasty, but none of them could compare to the one we enjoyed that night at the retreat. Maybe it was because I did not serve it by candle light? Or, maybe because my kids were not placed in free and unexpected child care?

The following recipe is the closest to the one that we were served that night. Enjoy!

Mandarin Almond Salad

1 head green leaf lettuce
1 bunch green onions
½ cup sliced almonds
11oz. can mandarin oranges, drained

Rinse, chop, and dry the lettuce. Thinly slice green onions. Add lettuce, green onions, almonds, and oranges to large salad bowl.

Dressing

½ cup olive oil
¼ cup white wine vinegar
1/8 tsp. crushed red pepper flakes
¼ tsp. salt
1/8 tsp. ground black pepper
1 Tbsp. raw sugar

Whisk together all ingredients and pour over salad. Toss to coat.

Frugal Tip: Mix up your salad dressing in a creamer. It is a good use of something you probably already have on hand and it pours easily.