A delightful salad combining fresh greens, sweet mandarins, and crunchy caramelized almonds, all tossed in a tangy homemade dressing.
Combine the romaine lettuce, mandarin oranges, and green onions in a large bowl.
Ensure the lettuce is thoroughly washed and dried for the best texture.
Heat the sugar and almonds in a small pan over medium heat, stirring constantly until the sugar melts and coats the almonds.
Keep stirring to prevent the sugar from burning.
Spread the caramelized almonds onto a plate to cool for about 10 minutes.
Separate the almonds while cooling to avoid clumping.
Combine the red wine vinegar, olive oil, sugar, red pepper flakes, and black pepper in a jar. Seal the jar and shake vigorously until the dressing is emulsified.
Taste the dressing and adjust the seasoning to your preference.
Pour the dressing over the salad base and toss gently to coat evenly.
Add the dressing gradually to avoid overdressing the salad.
Sprinkle the cooled caramelized almonds over the salad before serving.
Add the almonds just before serving to maintain their crunch.
Serve the salad immediately and enjoy!
Pair with a light soup or grilled protein for a complete meal.