Mmmm, Mmmm Monday: Almond Mandarin Salad

This is one of the best summer salad recipes I have found!  It is too yummy not to share!

Almond Mandarin Salad 

1/2 cup Vegetable Oil

1/4 cup Sugar

1/4 cup Vinegar (any kind is fine.. I use Balsamic or Salad Vinegar)

2 Tablespoon fresh chopped Parsley (I used dry before and it was fine)

1 teaspoon salt and pepper

1/2 cup of slivered (I have also used sliced) Almonds

2 Tablespoons sugar

Fresh Baby Spinach Leaves

1 can Mandarin Oranges drained or you can use fresh sliced Oranges, peeled of course
(I like these better than the ones from the can)

1 cup of Chopped Celery

3 Tablespoons Green Onion

Combine: oil, sugar, vinegar, parsley and salt and pepper in a jar with a tight fitting lid. Shake well

Mix almonds and sugar in small pan over low heat. Stir constantly until sugar melts. It may turn brown... that's OK, just don't let it burn. Pour into saucer to cool. Toss spinach, celery and green onion together, and put oranges on top. Right before serving add dressing and toss until evenly distributed and then sprinkle almonds on top. Enjoy! 
Dressing will make spinach wilt and almonds won't be as crunchy if you mix dressing in before hand.