Mandarin Salad

When the summer heat hits, my family tends to eat many more salads.  This one is light & refreshing and oh so simple to make.  This is the basic recipe, though it's so easy to customize to your tastes (like adding chicken or shrimp).

Here's what you'll need:
1 head romaine lettuce, torn in bite-sized pieces
1 rib celery, finely chopped
1 10-oz can mandarin oranges, drained
1/2 c almonds or pecans, lightly toasted
2 TBSP orange juice (or juice from draining the oranges)
4 TBSP olive oil
salt and pepper
1 tsp parsley
pinch red pepper flakes

To toast the nuts, place them in a dry skillet.  Heat over medium heat just until you begin to smell them. Remove from heat.

To make the dressing combine the oranges juice, olive oil, salt, pepper, parsley and red pepper in a small bowl.  Whisk until well blended.  This is just the basic recipe, a place to start.  Today, I used  toasted sesame oil instead of olive oil to give it an extra boost of flavor.  You can also add garlic, onions and other herbs to better complement.your meal.

Put the lettuce and celery in a large bowl.  Add half of the dressing and toss to coat.

Divide the greens among 4 salad plates.  Arrange the oranges on top.  Sprinkle with the nuts.
Serve with the remaining dressing on the side.

Make 4 side salad-sized servings.