📖 Instructions

1. **Prepare the Oranges:** Gently peel each mandarin orange, being careful to keep the segments intact. Remove any excess white pith, as it can be bitter. This step is crucial for both the taste and the presentation of the salad. I like to use my fingers for this step, it just feels easier, doesn't it?
2. **Dice the Swiss Cheese:** Cut the Swiss cheese into small, uniform cubes. Aim for pieces that are roughly the same size as the mandarin orange segments. This will ensure a balanced distribution of flavors and a visually appealing pattern.
3. **Chop the Red Onion:** Finely chop the red onion. Red onion adds a delightful sharpness that complements the sweetness of the oranges and the nuttiness of the cheese. However, if you're not a fan of strong onion flavors, you can soak the chopped onion in cold water for 10 minutes to mellow it out.
4. **Make the Dressing:** In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, apple cider vinegar, honey, Dijon mustard, salt, and black pepper. Adjust the quantities to your liking. The dressing should be slightly sweet, tangy, and well-balanced. Taste and adjust seasonings as needed. I'd suggest tasting it twice, its really that good!
5. **Pattern the Salad:** In a shallow serving dish or platter, arrange the mandarin orange segments and Swiss cheese cubes in alternating rows or patterns. You can get creative with this step! Try arranging them in concentric circles, stripes, or even a checkerboard pattern. The goal is to create a visually appealing presentation that showcases the ingredients.
6. **Add the Red Onion:** Sprinkle the chopped red onion evenly over the mandarin oranges and Swiss cheese. This adds a pop of color and a burst of flavor to the salad.
7. **Drizzle with Dressing:** Gently drizzle the dressing over the salad, being careful not to over-saturate it. You want just enough dressing to coat the ingredients and enhance the flavors without making the salad soggy. Just think of it as drizzling sunshine over everything!
8. **Chill (Optional):** For the best flavor, cover the salad and chill it in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before serving. This allows the flavors to meld together and the salad to become even more refreshing. But, hey, if you can't wait, it's perfectly delicious at room temperature too!
9. **Garnish (Optional):** Before serving, garnish the salad with fresh parsley or mint for an extra touch of freshness and color. A sprinkle of toasted nuts, like almonds or walnuts, would also be a welcome addition.
10. **Serve and Enjoy:** Serve the Mandarin Orange & Swiss Cheese Patterning salad as a side dish, light lunch, or appetizer. It pairs well with grilled chicken, fish, or sandwiches. Get ready for compliments – this salad is always a crowd-pleaser! Don't feel too overwhelmed when everyone asks for your recipe!