This is the salad that I can't stop eating...and it couldn't be easier! Meghan's 4-Ingredient Party Salad tastes fancy enough for all of your special holiday meals this season, but it's so fast and simple that you'll want to serve it every night of the week!
Some of my regular readers might remember when our family dressed up in our Halloween costumes last month and headed north for my nephew's 2nd birthday party...
My sister-in-law, Meghan, is always a great hostess and this particular party was no exception. With 5 little boy cousins running around (all ages 5 and under), Meghan was a smart gal and she kept the menu festive but simple -- appetizers, pizza, salad, and cake. But not just any salad...THIS SALAD...
As soon as I took a bite, I asked her for the recipe on the spot. The combination of tastes and textures just works. Really well. It's so easy that I almost didn't share it on the blog. BUT, it's just too good to keep secret, so here it is:
First, THE DRESSING!!
No, this isn't a sponsored post. I'm just keepin' it real and sharing the salad dressing that Meghan used, and that I have continued to purchase since then. I'm not normally a big fan of store-bought salad dressings, but this is a rare exception. This poppyseed dressing is so rich, creamy, and slightly sweet, but without any of the weird ingredients or funky bottled taste. You know what I mean, right?
Meghan just tossed together some baby spinach, walnuts, and mandarin orange slices in a big bowl with the dressing. That's it! Two minutes later, a beautiful party salad is ready to...party!
But if you love it as much as I do, don't just save this salad for a special occasion. It has become my go-to weeknight recipe when I need a quick side dish. I keep the walnuts and oranges in my pantry, so I always have the ingredients on hand at the last minute.
And on those nights when Keith's not coming home for dinner or he's traveling for work? This becomes my main course! I top it with leftover rotisserie chicken, hardboiled egg, or some canned tuna for added protein. Served with an Orange Cranberry Corn Muffin (thawed from my freezer stash), I have a delicious and perfectly seasonal meal ready in about 3 minutes! Can't beat that.
[Tweet "Meghan's 4-Ingredient Party #Salad will WOW your guests and it's ready in 2 minutes!"]
Meghan's 4-Ingredient Party Salad
Ingredients
- 10-12 ounces baby spinach leaves
- 1 15 ounce can mandarin orange slices, drained
- 1 cup chopped walnuts
- Brianna’s Homestyle Rich Poppyseed Salad Dressing to taste
Instructions
- Place spinach, orange slices, and walnuts in a large serving bowl. Just before serving, drizzle with desired amount of dressing and toss everything together!
Looking for other delicious salads? Try these favorites:
Fall Harvest Salad with Pumpkin Goddess Dressing
Southern Peach Salad with Green Goddess Dressing
Gayle @ Pumpkin 'N Spice
I love simple salads like this! Sounds delicious, Blair! Especially with the poppy seed dressing and mandarin oranges. What a perfect combo!
Blair
Thanks so much, Gayle! The easier, the better in my world!
Annie
I am seriously loving how easy this is!!
Blair
Thanks, Annie! So easy, yet so delicious! 🙂
Jen | Baked by an Introvert
Simple is always better. That dressing sounds wonderful!
Blair
Totally agree, Jen! Simple IS always better!
Anna @ Sunny Side Ups
Sometimes, the simplest of recipes can be the most delicious! And this salad definitely looks so, so delicious! Saving this for my next get-together!
Blair
Exactly, Anna!! Simplicity rules! 🙂
andy g.
This is a fantastic salad!!! I've made it five times over the past several weeks, and I recently added bacon, which takes it over the top. Thank you (and Meghan) from Blacksburg!
Blair
Awesome! The bacon is a genius addition! 🙂