Zesty Mandarin Orange Salad Recipe: Sunshine in a Bowl

Sweet and tangy mandarin orange salad bursts with vibrant flavors that dance across your palate.

Crisp greens mingle with juicy mandarin oranges for a refreshing culinary experience.

Bright citrus segments add a zesty punch to this light and delightful dish.

Fresh ingredients create a symphony of textures and tastes that will surprise your senses.

Crunchy nuts and tender greens complement the sweet mandarin oranges perfectly.

This simple yet elegant salad promises to be a crowd-pleaser at any gathering.

Dive into a bowl of pure sunshine and savor every delectable bite.

Steps To Toss Together Mandarin Orange Salad

• Fresh Greens Foundation

A vibrant bed of mixed salad greens creates the perfect canvas for this zesty mandarin orange salad. Choose crisp, colorful leaves that will complement the bright citrus flavors.

• Citrus Burst

Scatter sweet mandarin orange segments across the greens, bringing a sunny, tropical essence to the dish. Their juicy texture adds a refreshing pop of flavor.

• Flavor Companions

Sprinkle crunchy toasted almonds, tangy red onion slivers, tart dried cranberries, and crumbly feta cheese over the salad. These ingredients create a delightful symphony of tastes and textures.

• Signature Dressing

Whip together a smooth, glossy dressing that marries olive oil, vinegar, honey, and Dijon mustard. The combination transforms simple ingredients into a gourmet experience.

• Final Flourish

Gently cascade the dressing over the salad, carefully mixing to ensure every ingredient gets a delicate coating. Serve immediately to capture the salad’s peak freshness and vibrant character.

Tips To Keep Mandarin Orange Salad Light And Fresh

• Salad Perfection Tips: Crisp and Fresh Techniques
• Greens Selection: Choose crisp, fresh mixed greens like baby spinach or arugula blend for maximum texture and flavor depth. Wash and dry thoroughly to prevent soggy salad syndrome.
• Dressing Timing: Always add dressing just before serving to maintain salad crunchiness and prevent wilting. Store extra dressing separately if preparing in advance.
• Nut Toasting Trick: Lightly toast almonds in a dry skillet for 2-3 minutes to enhance their nutty flavor and add delightful crunchiness. Watch carefully to prevent burning.
• Make-Ahead Magic: Prepare ingredients separately and combine just before serving. Keep feta, nuts, and dried cranberries in separate containers to maintain optimal texture.
• Dietary Adaptations: For gluten-free version, ensure all ingredients are certified gluten-free. Swap feta with dairy-free alternatives like nutritional yeast or vegan cheese for plant-based diets. Vegans can replace honey with maple syrup in dressing.

Serve Mandarin Orange Salad With A Sunny Touch

• Sunset Picnic Platter: Arrange the salad on a large wooden board with additional citrus slices and a chilled white wine, creating a stunning outdoor dining experience perfect for summer gatherings.
• Mediterranean Lunch Companion: Pair the salad with grilled chicken or baked salmon for a protein-packed meal that balances the bright, tangy flavors of mandarin oranges and feta cheese.
• Brunch Centerpiece: Serve as a refreshing side dish during weekend brunches, complementing quiches, frittatas, or eggs benedict with its light and zesty profile.
• Elegant Starter: Present the salad in individual clear glass bowls to showcase the colorful layers, adding a touch of sophistication to dinner parties or special occasions.

Save And Enjoy Mandarin Orange Salad Later

• Quick Refrigeration Strategy: Store the mandarin orange salad components separately to maintain optimal freshness and crispness, preventing soggy greens and preserving the salad's vibrant texture.
• Smart Dressing Storage: Keep the homemade dressing in an airtight container within the refrigerator for up to 5 days, allowing convenient meal preparation and quick salad assembly.
• Component Separation Technique: Refrigerate chopped ingredients like red onions, toasted almonds, and dried cranberries in individual sealed containers to retain their distinct flavors and prevent moisture absorption.
• Make-Ahead Meal Prep: Prepare salad ingredients in advance, storing washed greens in paper towel-lined containers and keeping mandarin oranges and feta cheese in separate sealed compartments for efficient weekly lunch or dinner planning.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 5 minutes

Cook Time:

Total Time: 10 minutes

Calories: 210 kcal

Servings: 3

All You Need For Mandarin Orange Salad Magic

• Mixed Greens: Crisp base that adds nutritious crunch and vibrant color to the salad.
• Mandarin Oranges: Juicy, sweet segments that bring bright tropical freshness and tangy flavor.
• Dried Cranberries: Tart jewels that provide delightful bursts of sweetness and chewy texture.
• Red Onion: Sharp, zesty slices that add a subtle bite and aromatic complexity.

• Toasted Almonds: Nutty, golden morsels that deliver satisfying crunch and rich, earthy flavor.

• Feta Cheese: Crumbly, tangy cheese that introduces creamy saltiness and Mediterranean flair.

• Olive Oil: Smooth, heart-healthy base that helps blend flavors and create silky texture.
• Vinegar: Bright, acidic liquid that balances and heightens the overall taste profile.
• Honey: Natural sweetener that softens the dressing and adds golden, mellow undertones.
• Dijon Mustard: Zesty condiment that emulsifies the dressing and provides warm, peppery notes.
• Salt: Essential flavor enhancer that brings out the ingredients' natural tastes.
• Black Pepper: Warm, spicy seasoning that adds gentle heat and aromatic depth.

Tools To Make Mandarin Orange Salad Bright And Easy

• Large Salad Bowl: Roomy vessel for mixing all ingredients together smoothly.
• Small Bowl or Jar: Perfect for whisking and blending dressing ingredients.
• Whisk: Essential tool for creating a smooth, well-combined dressing.
• Cutting Board: Clean surface for chopping red onion and preparing ingredients.
• Sharp Knife: Needed for precise slicing and dicing of vegetables.
• Measuring Spoons: Helps accurately measure honey, salt, and pepper.

Vibrant Mandarin Orange Salad Recipe

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4.7 from 18 reviews

• Total Time: 10 minutes
• Yield: 3 1x

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Description

Mandarin orange salad combines crisp greens with sweet citrus segments and a zesty Asian-inspired dressing. Local ingredients elevate this refreshing dish perfect for summer gatherings when you crave something light and flavorful.

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Ingredients

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• 6 cups mixed greens (spinach, arugula, or spring mix)
• 1 cup mandarin oranges (canned, drained)
• ½ cup red onion (thinly sliced)
• ½ cup almonds (sliced, toasted optional)
• ¼ cup cranberries (dried)
• ¼ cup feta cheese (crumbled)
• ¼ cup olive oil
• 2 tbsps white wine vinegar or apple cider vinegar
• 1 tbsp honey (or maple syrup for vegan)
• 1 tsp Dijon mustard
• Salt (to taste)
• Black pepper (to taste)

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Instructions

1. Greens Preparation: Layer mixed greens generously in a large serving bowl, creating a lush, verdant foundation for the salad.
2. Citrus Integration: Distribute mandarin orange segments evenly across the greens, ensuring vibrant bursts of color and bright flavor throughout the dish.
3. Flavor Layering: Sprinkle red onion slices and toasted almond slivers across the salad, introducing complementary textures and sharp aromatic notes.
4. Sweet-Tart Accent: Scatter dried cranberries and crumbled feta cheese over the surface, adding depth and complex flavor dimensions.
5. Dressing Creation: Whisk olive oil, vinegar, honey, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper in a small bowl until a smooth, well-integrated vinaigrette emerges.
6. Final Assembly: Drizzle dressing delicately over the salad, gently tossing to ensure each ingredient is lightly coated and flavors are harmoniously blended.
7. Serving: Present immediately to maintain crisp textures and maximize the salad’s refreshing qualities.

Notes

• Maximize Freshness: Serve the salad immediately after dressing to maintain crisp greens and prevent wilting.
• Balance Flavor Layers: Slice red onions thinly to prevent overpowering the delicate mandarin orange sweetness.
• Customize Texture: Toast almonds slightly before adding to enhance their nutty flavor and provide maximum crunch.
• Dietary Adaptation: Swap feta with dairy-free alternatives like cashew cheese for vegan preferences or use goat cheese for lower lactose options.

• Prep Time: 5 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Appetizer, Snacks
• Method: Mixing
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 3
• Calories: 210
• Sugar: 10 g
• Sodium: 150 mg
• Fat: 17 g
• Saturated Fat: 2 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 15 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 18 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 4 g
• Cholesterol: 5 mg