Mandarin Orange Salad with Creamy Citrus Dressing

​thrivinghomeblog.com
serves 4 large salads, 8 side salads
This light, flavorful Mandarin Orange Salad includes spinach, dried cranberries, almonds, feta cheese, and mandarin oranges and pairs perfectly with the Creamy Citrus Dressing. Serve on special occasions or on any weeknight.
Ingredients
Creamy Citrus Dressing:

• 1 teaspoon lemon zest
• 2 tablespoons lemon juice, freshly squeezed
• 2 tablespoons orange juice, freshly squeezed
• 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
• 1 tablespoon honey, plus more to taste
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/3 cup extra virgin olive oil

Salad:

• 8 cups baby spinach leaves, loosely packed (roughly chop if leaves are big)
• 1/2 cup mandarin orange segments
• 1/3 cup sliced almonds, toasted (or pecans)
• 1/2 cup crumbled goat cheese or feta cheese
• 1/3 cup dried cranberries​ ​

Preparation​​​​ 

• For the Dressing: Pour all dressing ingredients in a mason jar, close lid tightly, and shake until combined (or whisk everything together in a bowl). Refrigerate for up to two weeks.
• For the Salad: In a large salad bowl or platter, either layer or toss the spinach, orange segments, crumbled cheese, sliced almonds, and cranberries. Set out the dressing alongside the salad when serving.