Sweet & Tangy Mandarin Orange Salad Recipe for Summer Delight

Some cooks overlook mandarin orange salad as a simple side dish, but this vibrant creation bursts with unexpected flavor combinations.

Bright citrus notes dance alongside crisp greens and unexpected textural elements.

Seasonal mandarins bring natural sweetness that complements tangy dressing options perfectly.

Mediterranean-inspired ingredients elevate this salad from ordinary to extraordinary.

Lightweight yet satisfying, you’ll find this recipe incredibly versatile for lunch or dinner.

Fresh herbs and delicate segments make each bite a delightful experience.

Grab your ingredients and let’s make something deliciously refreshing that will surprise everyone at the table!

What Makes Mandarin Orange Salad So Fresh and Vibrant

• Whips up in just 10 minutes, perfect for quick lunch or dinner side dish.
• Easily swap ingredients like almonds for walnuts or add grilled chicken for extra protein, making it adaptable to different tastes and dietary needs.
• Packed with vitamins from mandarin oranges, healthy fats from almonds, and antioxidants from mixed greens, offering a balanced and delicious meal option.
• Looks sophisticated enough for dinner parties yet simple enough for family meals, impressing guests without complicated preparation.

Ingredients That Make Mandarin Orange Salad Stand Out

• Mixed Greens: Crisp and light base for the salad, providing a nutritious foundation.
• Mandarin Oranges: Sweet and tangy citrus fruit that adds bright flavor and juiciness.
• Red Onion: Sharp and colorful ingredient that gives a nice bite and aromatic element.

• Almonds: Toasted for extra crunch and nutty flavor, adding texture to the salad.
• Dried Cranberries: Chewy and sweet ingredient that provides a tart contrast to other components.

• Feta Cheese: Creamy and salty cheese that crumbles easily and enhances overall flavor.
• Olive Oil: Smooth base for the dressing that helps blend ingredients together.
• Vinegar: Adds tangy acidity to balance the sweetness in the salad.
• Honey: Natural sweetener that softens the dressing's sharp edges.
• Dijon Mustard: Provides a subtle spicy kick and helps emulsify the dressing.
• Salt: Enhances and balances the overall flavor profile.
• Black Pepper: Adds a mild heat and subtle warmth to the dressing.

How to Mix Up Mandarin Orange Salad at Home

Step 1: Chop And Prep Colorful Components

Slice red onions into thin, delicate rings. Drain mandarin oranges carefully to keep them whole and prevent crushing. Crumble feta cheese into small, attractive chunks.

Step 2: Build Delicious Salad Foundation

Place mixed greens into a spacious serving bowl. Gently scatter mandarin orange segments across the greens. Sprinkle crumbled feta cheese, sliced red onions, toasted almonds, and dried cranberries over the top.

Step 3: Whip Up Zesty Dressing

In a small mixing bowl, pour olive oil. Add white wine vinegar, honey, and Dijon mustard. Sprinkle pinches of salt and black pepper. Whisk vigorously until ingredients blend smoothly and create a glossy, unified dressing.

Step 4: Final Toss And Serve

Drizzle dressing over salad ingredients. Use salad tongs to softly toss, ensuring every ingredient gets lightly coated. Serve immediately for maximum freshness and crunch.

Tips That Keep Your Salad Crunchy and Sweet

• Select Fresh Greens: Choose crisp, vibrant mixed greens for the best texture and flavor in your salad.
• Toast Almonds Perfectly: Gently toast almonds in a dry skillet over medium heat, stirring constantly to prevent burning and enhance their nutty flavor.
• Customize Dressing Intensity: Adjust the honey and vinegar ratio to balance sweetness and tanginess according to your taste preferences.
• Prevent Soggy Salad: Add dressing just before serving to keep the greens crisp and prevent wilting, ensuring a fresh and appetizing presentation.
• Dietary Modifications: Swap feta with vegan cheese or omit for a dairy-free option, or use gluten-free ingredients to accommodate different dietary needs.

How to Chill and Reuse Mandarin Orange Salad

• Store leftover salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Keep dressing separate to prevent greens from getting soggy.
• Place each ingredient (greens, oranges, cheese, nuts) in individual sealed containers to maintain freshness and prevent wilting.
• Keep homemade dressing in a sealed jar in the refrigerator for up to 1 week. Shake well before using.
• Do not freeze this salad, as greens, mandarin oranges, and cheese will lose texture and quality when thawed.

Pairing Suggestions for Mandarin Orange Salad

• Select a crisp Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio to complement the bright citrus notes of mandarin oranges and enhance the salad's delicate flavors.
• Serve a rustic sourdough or herbed focaccia alongside the salad to provide a satisfying crunch and soak up the tangy vinaigrette.
• Add grilled chicken or seared salmon to transform the salad into a complete meal, adding protein that harmonizes with the sweet and tart elements.
• Enjoy a light, effervescent prosecco or sparkling water with lemon to cut through the richness of feta cheese and provide a refreshing contrast.

New Takes on Mandarin Orange Salad You’ll Love

• Vegan Citrus Crunch: Replace feta with crumbled tofu or vegan cheese, swap honey with maple syrup, and add roasted pumpkin seeds for extra protein.
• Keto-Friendly Zesty Bowl: Eliminate cranberries, use a sugar-free sweetener instead of honey, increase almonds, and add avocado for healthy fats.
• Gluten-Free Sunshine Salad: Ensure all ingredients are certified gluten-free, use tamari instead of traditional dressing ingredients, and add grilled chicken for more substance.
• Low-Carb Tropical Mix: Swap mixed greens with baby spinach, reduce onion quantity, use orange segments sparingly, and incorporate grilled shrimp for lean protein.

Mandarin Orange Salad FAQs

• Can I use a different type of lettuce?

Yes, you can swap mixed greens with spinach, arugula, or romaine lettuce depending on your preference and what’s available.

• Are the almonds necessary?

While toasted almonds add crunch and flavor, you can omit them if you have nut allergies or simply don’t like nuts in your salad.

• What if I don't have red onion?

If red onion isn’t on hand, you can substitute with green onions or skip onions entirely without significantly impacting the salad’s overall taste.

• Is this salad healthy?

This salad is nutrient-rich, offering vitamins from mandarin oranges, protein from feta cheese, and healthy fats from olive oil and almonds, making it a nutritious meal option.

Mandarin Orange Salad Recipe

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4.6 from 29 reviews

• Total Time: 15 minutes
• Yield: 8 1x

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Description

Mandarin orange salad delivers a refreshing symphony of citrus and crisp greens that dance across your palate. Light yet satisfying, this zesty dish offers you a perfect balance of sweet and tangy flavors in every delightful bite.

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Ingredients

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Salad Base:

• 6 cups (1.4 liters) mixed greens (spinach, arugula, or spring mix)
• 1 cup (240 milliliters) canned mandarin oranges, drained
• ½ cup (75 grams) red onion, thinly sliced
• ½ cup (60 grams) sliced almonds (toasted, optional)
• ¼ cup (40 grams) dried cranberries
• ¼ cup (30 grams) crumbled feta cheese

Dressing:

• ¼ cup (60 milliliters) olive oil
• 2 tablespoons (30 milliliters) white wine vinegar or apple cider vinegar
• 1 tablespoon (15 milliliters) honey (or maple syrup for vegan)
• 1 teaspoon (5 milliliters) Dijon mustard

Seasoning:

• Salt, to taste
• Black pepper, to taste

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Instructions

1. Craft a vibrant base by layering crisp mixed greens in a spacious serving vessel, creating a verdant foundation for the upcoming flavor symphony.
2. Strategically scatter mandarin orange segments across the greenery, allowing their bright, citrusy jewels to peek through the leafy landscape.
3. Disperse thinly sliced red onion ribbons, introducing a sharp, pungent counterpoint to the sweet citrus notes.
4. Sprinkle toasted almonds generously, providing a satisfying crunch and nutty undertone that elevates the salad’s textural complexity.
5. Distribute dried cranberries throughout, their deep ruby hue and tangy-sweet profile adding bursts of unexpected intensity.
6. Crumble feta cheese delicately over the assembled ingredients, its creamy, salty essence binding the diverse elements together.
7. Prepare a harmonizing vinaigrette by vigorously whisking olive oil, vinegar, honey, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper in a compact container until a smooth, glossy emulsion forms.
8. Cascade the dressing gently over the salad, using a light touch to ensure each ingredient receives a gossamer coating without overwhelming the delicate balance.
9. Tenderly toss the components, allowing the flavors to intermingle and create a cohesive, refreshing culinary experience best enjoyed immediately.

Notes

• Swap feta for dairy-free alternatives like nutritional yeast or vegan cheese to make the salad plant-based and lactose-free.
• Toast almonds carefully to enhance their nutty flavor without burning, watching them closely in a dry skillet or oven for 3-5 minutes.
• Slice red onions paper-thin to prevent overpowering the delicate mandarin orange sweetness and ensure balanced flavor in every bite.
• Prepare dressing separately and store in the refrigerator up to 3 days in advance to save time and allow flavors to meld together.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Appetizer, Snacks
• Method: None
• Cuisine: Chinese

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 8
• Calories: 150
• Sugar: 6 g
• Sodium: 200 mg
• Fat: 12 g
• Saturated Fat: 1.5 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 14 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 3 g
• Cholesterol: 0 mg