Mandarin Salad with Sweet and Sour Dressing

I love this salad, it is so quick and easy and delicious!  To make it a Main Dish you can add diced chicken.

Mandarin Salad with Sweet and Sour Dressing
      (printer friendly recipe)
1/4 C sliced or slivered almonds
1 T plus 1 tsp sugar
1/2 small head lettuce (I used green leaf), torn into bite-sized pieces
1/2 bunch romaine, torn into bite-sized pieces
2 medium stalks, celery, chopped (1 C)
2 medium green onions, thinly sliced or chopped sweet onion (2 T)
1 can mandarin oranges, drained or 4 mandarin oranges peeled and separated.
1 C diced cooked chicken, (opt)
Sweet and Sour Dressing (below)

1. In a small skillet on low heat add the sugar and almonds.

Stir constantly until the sugar melts

and the almonds are coated.

Break apart and set on a small plate and allow to cook completely.

2. Toss the lettuces, celery, onions, oranges, and chicken (if using).  
3. Make dressing.  1x's the dressing if you are going to pour over the whole salad.  2x's the dressing if you will serve it on the side.  Pour the dressing on right before serving.

Sweet and Sour Dressing

1/4 C canola oil
2 T sugar
2 T white vinegar
1 T chopped fresh parsley or 1 tsp dried
1/2 tsp salt
Dash of pepper
Dash of red pepper sauce.

1. Pour ingredints into a container that will close tightly.

 I have this salad dressing maker from Pampered Chef that I LOVE, LOVE, LOVE.  It has measurements on the side so I can just use those.  Doesn't the vinegar and oil look fabulous?

Shake all ingredients together and refrigerate until it is time to serve.