Gluten-Free Citrus Pecan Spinach Salad

Ingredients:

• 5 cups baby spinach, washed and dried
• 2 medium mandarin oranges, peeled and segments separated
• 1/2 cup pecans, toasted and roughly chopped
• 1/4 cup goat cheese, crumbled (omit for dairy-free option)
• 1/4 cup red onion, very thinly sliced
• 1/4 cup cucumber, sliced
• 1/4 cup pomegranate seeds (optional, for extra color and sweetness)

Citrus Honey Vinaigrette:

• 1/3 cup extra virgin olive oil
• 2 tablespoons fresh orange juice
• 1 tablespoon honey (or maple syrup for vegan option)
• 1 tablespoon white wine vinegar
• 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard (make sure it’s gluten-free)
• Salt and pepper, to taste

Instructions:

1. In a large salad bowl, combine the baby spinach, mandarin orange segments, toasted pecans, crumbled goat cheese (if using), red onion slices, cucumber, and pomegranate seeds.
2. To prepare the dressing, in a small bowl or a jar with a tight-fitting lid, whisk or shake together the olive oil, fresh orange juice, honey (or maple syrup), white wine vinegar, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper until well blended.
3. Drizzle your desired amount of citrus honey vinaigrette over the salad and toss gently to coat all the ingredients.
4. Adjust seasoning if necessary, and then share and enjoy this refreshing gluten-free salad as a standalone light meal or as a colorful side.

For further gluten-free salad inspirations, you can refer to the following:

• “Gluten-Free House Salad (Easy Green Salad Recipe)” on One Lovely Life Link
• “40 Gluten-Free Salad Recipes” on Taste of Home Link
• “Greek Salad – My Gluten Free Guide” Link

These resources offer a wide variety of gluten-free salad options to suit various tastes and dietary needs.