Enjoy this lighter version Spring Greens Ambrosia Salad with clementine and coconut flakes anytime. It has way less calories.
This Spring Greens Ambrosia Salad has the usual mandarin oranges and coconut but with way less calories. It is much lighter and more like a real salad with spring greens. The classic version is loaded with whipped cream and marshmallows and tastes more like a dessert or side dish.
Clementines
Clementines are the smallest variety of mandarin oranges. They are sweet, juicy, and seedless. They come into season in December through January which coincides with the Chinese Lunar New Year. This makes them a popular substitute for mandarin oranges by the Chinese in the western world.
Clementines are wonderful eaten on their own or added to salads. I do like the idea of combining oranges with coconut but I find the traditional Ambrosia salad a little too creamy for me. Hence, I borrowed the idea for this salad and made it skinnier and healthier. I used a very simple vinaigrette with only 2 tablespoons of yogurt to give it that creamy look. It was delicious and easy to prepare.
Similar Tools Used in Making This Spring Greens Ambrosia Salad
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Large Salad Bowl Set with Hand Servers
Acacia Wave Serving Bowl for Fruits or Salads, Large, 12″ Diameter x 7″ Height
Acacia Oblong Salad Servers, 12″ Long, One Pair
Spring Greens Ambrosia Salad
Ingredients
- 5 oz spring greens (1 package)
- 2 clementines (peeled and sectioned)
- ½ cup coconut flakes (toasted)
Dressing
- ¼ cup rice vinegar (60ml)
- 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
- 2 tbsp plain yogurt
- 1 tsp sugar
- ¼ tsp salt
Instructions
- Combine spring greens and clementines 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.
Nutrition
zenobia says
Nice clean flavours and simple to make. Thanks for sharing and you’ve been buzzed.
Eftychia says
So easy to make and healthy as well. Thank you for sharing. Lovely photos.
kristy says
I like the tanginess of the salad dressing. Sounds delicious… like having ‘low sang’! :o) Thanks for sharing. Hope you’re enjoying your day.
Cheers, Kristy
Biren says
Thanks Kristy! It did make me think of “lo sang” too. I’ll be making that pretty soon. 🙂
Suchitra says
really good pics and the salad looks healthy and delicious!
Lyndsey says
I love this salad, I need to make more this new year. I like that you used toasted coconut on top, extra yummy touch!
Haruna says
Nice clicks! So fresh and exuberant! ;D
Monet says
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!
lequan says
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 :-D. Great salad, Biren!
Hyosun Ro says
That is a beautiful salad! I definitely want to try your yogurt dressing next time.
The Mom Chef ~ Taking on Magazines One Recipe at a Time says
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.
Victoria says
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!
rebecca says
wow looks great love the toasted cornflakes neat idea
5 Star Foodie says
Such a lovely salad, sounds terrific with clementines and the coconut flakes!
torviewtoronto says
delicious salad colourful
Cristina says
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. =)
elisabeth@foodandthriftfinds says
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!
penny aka jeroxie says
healthy salad and love the coconut topping.
Sanjeeta kk says
What a lovely and colorful salad! Looks so refreshing & healthy.
Juliana says
Biren, what a lovely salad…love the idea of coconut flakes 🙂
Squeaky Gourmet says
This just looks and sounds so very good–fresh and crisp!
Mary says
What a lovely winter salad. It looks and sounds delicious. I hope you have a great day. Blessings…Mary
Amanda @ bakingwithoutabox says
I love mandarins in salad! Clementine cuties are just the best. That salad looks great. Will have to try your dressing recipe.
zerrin says
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!
Namitha says
Love clementines 🙂 This is a pretty salad, Biren
Kristi Rimkus says
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
Reeni says
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!
denise @ quickies on the dinner table says
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!
Magic of Spice says
This is such a lovely salad, I really like your lighter version 🙂