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.

Mmmm, Mmmm Monday: Oriental Coleslaw

I love this recipe.  It is great for luncheons.  It is great as a side with barbeque or grilled chicken.  It is yummy all by itself!

There are some variations to this recipe, but this is the one I use and it never seems to disappoint!

 Oriental Coleslaw

1 package Coleslaw

 (Sometimes I use broccoli slaw.  Personally, I like it better with the broccoli slaw and it gives it more color!)

1 package Chicken flavored Ramen Noodles, crunched up

1/2 cup Sliced Almonds

1/2 cup Sunflower Seeds

1 Tablespoon Sesame Seeds

3 Green Onions, chopped

Toss ingredients together and set aside.

Dressing:

1/3 cup Vegetable Oil

3 Tablespoons White Vinegar

3 Tablespoons Sugar

Seasoning from Ramen Noodles

Mix together and toss into Coleslaw before serving.  I think it is best to do about an hour prior to serving.