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Clementines are the smallest variety of mandarin oranges. They come into season in December through January which normally coincides with the Chinese (Lunar) New Year. Clementines are often used by the Chinese in the western world in place of mandarin oranges as decorations and gifts during the 15 days Chinese New Year celebrations. In the Cantonese and Fujianese dialects, the word for mandarin oranges (“kam” or “kim”) rhymes with gold, a symbol of abundance and wealth.
Clementines are sweet and juicy. They are very easy to peel and are almost always seedless making them great lunchbox snacks. They are also good in salads and one popular salad with oranges is the Ambrosia salad. This fruit salad is made with coconut, oranges, and a sweet creamy dressing. Sometimes pineapples, grapes, bananas, and mini marshmallows are added. The dressing is always sweet and may consist of sour cream, whipped creamed, or yogurt.
While I occasionally enjoy a dollop of cream with my fruits, I find the traditional Ambrosia salad a little too creamy for me. It also packs in quite a few calories. I do however like the the combination of oranges and coconut and borrowed this idea for a much skinnier and healthier version of the salad.
Here is what you will need to put this salad together.
5 oz (1 package) spring greens
2 clementines, peeled and sectioned
½ cup coconut flakes, toasted
Dressing
¼ cup rice vinegar
2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
2 tbsp plain yogurt
1 tsp sugar
¼ tsp salt
Combine spring greens and clemetines in a large salad bowl. Stir together all dressing ingredients in a small bowl.
Pour dressing over spring greens and clementines.
Sprinkle toasted coconut flakes over salad.
Serve immediately.
Spring Greens Ambrosia Salad
(serves 4 to 6)
5 oz (1 package) spring greens
2 clementines, peeled and sectioned
½ cup coconut flakes, toasted
Dressing
¼ cup rice vinegar
2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
2 tbsp plain yogurt
1 tsp sugar
¼ tsp salt
Combine spring greens and clemetines in a large salad bowl. Stir together all dressing ingredients in a small bowl. Pour dressing over spring greens and clementines. Toss to get vegetables and fruits coated with dressing. Sprinkle toasted coconut flakes over salad. Serve immediately.
Enjoy…..and have a wonderful day! 8)
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Tags: clementines, coconut, salad, vegan, vegetarian, Western
Nice clean flavours and simple to make. Thanks for sharing and you’ve been buzzed.
So easy to make and healthy as well. Thank you for sharing. Lovely photos.
I like the tanginess of the salad dressing. Sounds delicious… like having ‘low sang’!
) Thanks for sharing. Hope you’re enjoying your day.
Cheers, Kristy
Thanks Kristy! It did make me think of “lo sang” too. I’ll be making that pretty soon.
really good pics and the salad looks healthy and delicious!
I love this salad, I need to make more this new year. I like that you used toasted coconut on top, extra yummy touch!
Nice clicks! So fresh and exuberant! ;D
This looks like such a wonderful way to celebrate those precious gifts of citrus! I love how you lightened up the salad…isn’t yogurt wonderful for that? Thank you for sharing, sweet friend. And thank you for the kind words on my blog. They mean so much to me!
Such a beautiful and refreshing salad, Biren. I love your addition of coconut flakes. My kiddies love clementines and can eat at least 6 each time. I’ll bet the would love this salad too. Although they still eat salads with their hands like little savages…teehee. They have a hard time picking up the greens with their forks. At least they’re eating their greens
. Great salad, Biren!
That is a beautiful salad! I definitely want to try your yogurt dressing next time.
I’m looking at a Cooking Light salad that’s similar but near as wonderful as yours looks. The coconut on top; oh wow. Fantastic.
Oooh, what a fun alternative to the super sweet and creamy ambrosia salad. I always think of it more as dessert anyway, not really a salad
This is a good way to get some greens into you too!
wow looks great love the toasted cornflakes neat idea
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Such a lovely salad, sounds terrific with clementines and the coconut flakes!
delicious salad colourful
Hi Biren: I luv this time of the year when clementines are at their sweetest and are abundant. I’ve been using them in salads too – they add a splash of color and perfect sweet compliment.
Luv this salad and the use of those coconut flakes. =)
Biren-Such a refreshing, and yummy salad. Clementines are available for us in abundance at this time of year. Delicious by itself, but even more in a great salad!
healthy salad and love the coconut topping.
What a lovely and colorful salad! Looks so refreshing & healthy.
Biren, what a lovely salad…love the idea of coconut flakes
This just looks and sounds so very good–fresh and crisp!
What a lovely winter salad. It looks and sounds delicious. I hope you have a great day. Blessings…Mary
I love mandarins in salad! Clementine cuties are just the best. That salad looks great. Will have to try your dressing recipe.
This s a perfect salad! I love the dressing with yogurt and vinegar. And oranges make a great addition to this healthy salad. Thanks for sharing!
Love clementines
This is a pretty salad, Biren
Biren, this is a salad I love. I so agree with you that the typical Ambrosia salad is too creamy and too fattening. You’ve done a great job in making it much more calorie friendly and delicious!
Kristi
What a light and delicious salad Biren! When clementines are in season I eat them like crazy and I love spring greens – they make a perfect, delicate pair together for a salad!
I think I prefer this skinny and almost “zen” version of ambrosia too! The traditional version is just too heavy and I never could bring myself to eat it. This one I would devour – no prompting needed!
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This is such a lovely salad, I really like your lighter version