Crunchy Walnut and Mandarin Salad With Cashew Avocado Lime Dressing
The Crunchy Walnut and Mandarin Salad is a nutritious mix of greens, mandarin oranges, dates, cherry tomatoes, and walnuts. Topped with a creamy cashew avocado lime dressing and ready in no time.
It’s the perfect blend of sweet and tangy, featuring dates, mandarins, super-sweet black cherry tomatoes, and a zesty avocado dressing with lime and cashews for an extra boost of protein, just like our Lupini Bean and Caper Salad.
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If you think you’re not a salad person, I’m convinced you’ll be back for more! The balance of sweet and tangy is pure magic, tying the whole salad together.
Avocados
Make sure your avocados are ripe for the best texture and flavor. A ripe avocado should yield slightly to gentle pressure but not feel mushy. The skin may darken, and the stem should pop off easily, revealing green underneath. To prepare, cut the avocado in half, twist it to separate, remove the stone, and scoop out the flesh.
Lime Juice
For the best flavor, use freshly squeezed lime juice. Roll the lime on a hard surface before cutting to release more juice.
Olive Oil
Always use extra virgin.
Green Leaves
Use freshly picked basil for the best aroma and flavor. Baby spinach leaves are ideal as they are tender, milder in taste, and blend more smoothly than mature spinach, which can be tougher and slightly bitter.
Mandarin Oranges
Use fresh, seedless mandarins for the sweetest flavor and easy preparation. Peel and separate the segments or juice them as needed.
Nuts
Use walnuts, preferably pre-soaked, for a softer texture and better digestion.
Dates
Pitted Medjool dates are the best choice for their soft texture, natural sweetness, and caramel-like flavor.
Cashew Nuts
- Pre-soak the walnuts for 30 minutes to soften them and remove excess skin and debris.
- Layer the fresh arugula and baby spinach leaves in your serving bowl.
- Cut each date into four equal slices lengthwise, so that each piece has a hole in the center.
- Add the walnuts and mandarin orange segments.
- Slice the black cherry tomatoes in half and add them to the salad.
- Prepare the Cashew Avocado Lime Dressing (see below).
- Drizzle the dressing over the salad and toss gently to coat.
- Combine ripe avocados, freshly squeezed lime juice, pre-soaked cashew nuts, salt, olive oil, and water in a blender.
- Blend until smooth and creamy, adjusting the texture by adding more water as needed.
- Drizzle over the salad and toss to coat the center.
- For best results, serve immediately.
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Store leftovers properly – Keep the salad in an airtight container in the fridge, but note that the greens will wilt quickly if already dressed.
Yes, soaking helps soften them, enhances digestibility, and removes bitterness.
Why are Medjool dates the best for salads?Medjool dates have a naturally rich, caramel-like sweetness that complements the tangy flavors in the salad.
Can I prepare the salad in advance?Yes, but store the salad and the dressing individually in an airtight container in the fridge, for a maximum of two days. Mix right before serving. Otherwise, it will become mushy and inedible.
Can I use leaf lettuce salad instead of spinach?Yes. If you don’t have baby spinach, substitute it with mixed-leaf salad. But be aware that this will not be as crispy.
- Nuts – Swap walnuts for pecans, almonds, Brazil, or hazelnuts if you prefer a different crunch.
- Mandarin oranges -Try blood oranges, and clementines, or even use fresh mango slices.
- Black cherry tomatoes – Replace them with grape tomatoes, heirloom cherry tomatoes, or even pomegranate seeds for a pop of color and sweetness.
- Medjool dates – Use dried figs, golden raisins, or chopped apricots for a similar natural sweetness.
- Avocados – Substitute with silken tofu or soaked sunflower seeds for a creamy, dairy-free dressing alternative.
- Cashew nuts in the dressing – Swap with macadamia nuts, blanched almonds, or sunflower seeds.
- Aquafaba – Replace water with aquafaba for a creamier and fluffy consistency.
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Many recipes specifically recommend them because they are significantly larger, often two to three times the size of standard pitted dates in the baking aisle.
Medjool dates have a rich, caramel-like sweetness and a soft, juicy texture, making them a standout choice for both sweet and savory dishes.
They’re smaller than normal cherry tomatoes but have a good flavor, making them great for snacking, tossing in salads, or roasting. The dark color comes from anthocyanins, which also give them that yummy taste!
Lupini Bean and Caper Salad -A protein-packed, tangy salad combining buttery lupini beans with briny capers, and fresh herbs.
Roasted Vegetable Salad with Squash, Chickpeas, and Sweet Potato -A hearty, nutrient-rich salad featuring caramelized roasted squash, chickpeas, and sweet potatoes, tossed with warming Za’atar, a classic Middle Eastern seasoning.
Crunchy Walnut and Mandarin Salad With Cashew Avocado Lime Dressing
Recipe details
- 2 servings
- Prep time: 30 Minutes Cook time: 0 Minutes Total time: 30 min
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