This spectacular salad features red leaf lettuce tossed with sugared almonds, mandarin orange segments and red onions, and topped with a sweet and tangy vinaigrette.
INGREDIENTS (for 5 servings):
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil
- 1/4 cup cider vinegar
- 1/4 cup white sugar
- 2 teaspoons dried parsley
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 pinch ground black pepper
- 1/2 cup sliced almonds
- 1/4 cup white sugar
- 1 head red leaf lettuce - rinsed, dried and torn
- 1 red onion, chopped
- 1 cup chopped celery
- 2 (11 ounce) cans mandarin orange segments, drained
PREPARATION:
In a jar with a tight fitting lid, combine the oil, vinegar, sugar, parsley, salt and pepper. Cover and shake well. Refrigerate until use.
In a medium saucepan over medium low heat, cook and stir the almonds and sugar until the sugar is melted and the almonds are coated. Remove from heat, cool, and break apart. Store at room temperature until ready to serve salad.
In a large bowl, toss together the lettuce, celery, oranges, almonds and dressing until evenly coated.