Step out of the salad doldrums and give your mouth something to get excited about. This salad is fresh and crisp with a touch of sweetness and then some delicious, savory bacon. It’s a great way to approach a hair healthy lunch that’s bursting with flavors you crave.

We love this recipe for the way it pairs flavor with ingredients that support hair health.

Almonds aren’t the nut you think they are, they’re a healthy little drupe and ready to help you get the hair you deserve. Rich in vitamin E, almonds soften your skin and hair by nourishing it from the inside and giving you an added weapon in the fight against harmful UV rays.

Sweet little mandarin oranges give you a pop of bright flavor and a blast of vitamin C that revives your skin and scalp to help it boost hair health. Mandarins are also loaded in antioxidants that neutralize the harmful effects of free radicals. Free radicals play a major role in aging your hair. They weaken hair, causing it to be dry and brittle and look dull and lifeless.

Finally, the sweet news about honey. This much-beloved sweetener is an old friend to your lush locks. Honey’s benefits to your hair are huge and include: sealing in moisture, reducing breakage, antioxidant protection, strengthening of follicles, antibacterial and antiseptic boost and a re-growth stimulator. 

Now, that’s exciting news and makes us excited to get started cooking this delicious salad.

Almond mandarin salad

Ingredients:

½ pound bacon

2 tablespoons white wine vinegar

3 tablespoons honey

½ tsp dry hot mustard

½ teaspoon celery salt

½ teaspoon ground paprika

¼ cup olive oil

1 head red leaf lettuce, torn into bite-sized pieces

1 (15-oz) can mandarin oranges, drained

1 bunch green onion, diced

¾ cup slivered almonds

Directions:

Cook the bacon beforehand, so it’s ready to go when you are. In a medium skillet over medium heat, cook bacon until browned. Drain, cool and crumble.

Place lettuce, oranges, green onion, bacon and almonds in a serving bowl. Toss with dressing and serve.

Dressing directions:

You can also make the dressing ahead of time and store in a Tupperware container or dressing container with a good-fitting lid. 

Blend the vinegar, honey, dry mustard, celery salt, paprika, and olive oil. If making ahead of time, give it a really good shake before pouring on salad.