Meatless Monday – Date Vinaigrette Citrus Salad

Let’s Go On a Date!

This oh-so yummy recipe is bound to make your taste buds sing with pure citrus-induced merriment! I’m so excited to share this unique salad with you, but first – Here are some interesting health benefits in some of our star ingredients:

Dates – If you’re looking for fiber, potassium, or copper, look no further than dates. “Dating” back to 6000BC the date promotes digestive health, boosts heart health, is an anti-inflammatory, reduces blood pressure, the risk of strokes and much more. Good for your health and extremely tasty, why not treat yourself with dates!

Mandarin Oranges – You can count on mandarin oranges to provide vitamin C, with 1 cup of orange segments delivering 28 percent of the recommended daily intake. Mandarins help with bone health, dietary fiber, and are flavanoid rich!

Almonds – They have been known as “The World’s Healthiest Food” and are a go-to for those looking to shed a few pounds. Almonds protect the artery walls from damage, lower ‘bad’ cholesterol, reduce heart attack risk, and help build strong bones and teeth.

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Ingredients:
Vinaigrette
4 pitted Medjool dates (3/4 cup)
1 large shallot, diced
2 Tbs. lime juice
2 Tbs. applesauce
1 Tbs. champagne vinegar
¾ tsp. cayenne pepper or Aleppo pepper

Salad
4 mandarin oranges
2 medium fennel bulbs, colored, halved and cut into ¾-inch-thick slices (3 cups)
6 radishes, quartered
2 romaine lettuce heads, chopped
¼ cup slivered toasted almonds, in bite sizes

Instructions:
1. To make Vinaigrette: place all ingredients in blender or food processor, and blend until smooth. Set
aside.

2. To make Salad: Trim ends of oranges all the way to juicy flesh. Stand 1 orange upright, and remove
peel and pith with serrated paring knife, following curve of fruit from top to bottom. Cut sections along
membranes as if slicing out a wedge, releasing them one by one, Place in bowl, set aside.

3. Toss fennel with 3 Tbs. Vinaigrette in large bowl until well coated. Add radishes and orange segments,
toss gently, and let stand 5 minutes to allow flavors to develop. Add romaine leaves, and toss to
combine. Top with chopped toasted almonds.

Per 1 ½ cup serving = 124 calories

Did this recipe speak to your palate? Take a look at my recipe page!
You may also like:
Peach Salsa
Hummus Pizza
Cucumber Agua Fresca

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How did you like this salad? Did it please your taste buds in a unique way? Share your feedback in the comments below!
I take requests – Is there an ingredient or recipe you’d love to see done in  a tasty Vegan way? Let me know below!