Mandarin Almond Salad

This delicious mandarin almond salad from Food.com is great for serving guests- it's a little different, it's yummy and so easy to make. My family loves it too. The hardest part is finding unsweetened, organic mandarins, NOT made in China that come in a BPA-free can!

It's a small batch, serves 4.

Ingredients

• 4 tablespoons maple syrup, divided  
• 1/2 cup slivered almonds 
• 1/8 cup vegetable oil 
• 1/8 cup mandarin juice (this replaces 1/4 cup oil)          
• 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon pepper
• 1/8 teaspoon hot pepper sauce or dry cayenne pepper                   
• 1 bunch romaine lettuce, torn                            
• 1 (11 ounce) can organic, mandarin oranges 
• 1-2 green onions, sliced
• Optional ingredients: sesame oil, sesame seeds, Dijon mustard.

Directions:

1. In a small saucepan, heat 3 tablespoons maple syrup on low heat.
2. Add almonds; stir until coated.
3. Cool almonds, break into small pieces and set aside.
4. In a jar with tight lid, mix oil, mandarin juice, vinegar, salt, pepper, hot pepper sauce and remaining 1 tablespoon maple syrup. Add a drizzle of sesame oil and a teaspoon of Dijon mustard if you want.
5. Shake well. Combine lettuce, oranges, onion and almonds in salad bowl.
6. Shake dressing; pour over salad and toss. Sprinkle salad with sesame seeds (optional)