Mandarin Orange Salad

The bright, juicy sweetness of mandarin oranges is what really steals the show in this salad. Each segment bursts with flavor, offering a refreshing contrast to the crunchy greens and creamy dressing. It’s one of those dishes where every bite feels like a little celebration. The tangy citrus balances beautifully with the subtle nuttiness of toasted almonds, while the delicate greens add a fresh, crisp texture. When the dressing, often a sweet-sour mix of honey, mustard, and a touch of citrus zest, is drizzled over, it ties everything together perfectly.

The best part? This salad is incredibly versatile, so feel free to experiment with what you have on hand. Add a handful of sliced avocado for richness or a sprinkle of pomegranate seeds for a pop of color and tartness. If you’re craving something heartier, toss in grilled chicken or shrimp for a satisfying meal. Personally, I love making this salad when I’ve got a fresh batch of mandarin oranges at the market—they’re always in season at the perfect time to brighten up a winter day! It’s one of those dishes that just feels like a hug in a bowl, no matter how simple it may seem.

Key Ingredients in Mandarin Orange Salad

This salad comes together beautifully with a handful of key ingredients that bring out the best in each other. Every element has a purpose, whether it’s adding a burst of flavor, texture, or a creamy, tangy balance to the dish. Here’s a closer look at the stars of this salad:

• Mixed greens
  A vibrant base that provides a fresh, crisp texture. The variety of greens—usually a mix of baby spinach, arugula, and romaine—adds a mild, slightly peppery flavor that complements the sweetness of the mandarins.
• Mandarin oranges
  The hero of the salad, offering juicy, sweet citrus notes that shine through in every bite. They add a refreshing burst of flavor that pairs perfectly with the savory elements.
• Sliced almonds
  Toasted to perfection, these almonds bring a lovely crunch and a nutty richness that adds depth to the salad. Their subtle flavor balances out the tanginess of the dressing and complements the sweet oranges.
• Red onion
  Thinly sliced, the red onion gives a sharp, slightly sweet bite that adds a bit of zing. It’s the perfect counterpoint to the creamy feta and the crisp greens, helping to create a flavor contrast.
• Feta cheese
  Crumbled and sprinkled over the top, feta brings a salty, tangy creaminess that elevates the salad. Its crumbly texture melts slightly into the dressing, adding richness to every forkful.
• Olive oil
  The smooth, rich base of the dressing. Olive oil helps bind everything together and provides a luxurious mouthfeel, adding just the right amount of richness without overpowering the other flavors.
• White wine vinegar
  A sharp, slightly acidic kick that balances out the sweetness of the honey and mandarins. It helps brighten the dressing and brings a touch of tanginess to the salad.
• Honey
  Sweet and smooth, honey enhances the natural sweetness of the mandarin oranges. It softens the acidity from the vinegar and mustard, creating a perfectly balanced dressing.
• Dijon mustard
  A small amount of Dijon mustard gives the dressing a subtle sharpness and depth of flavor. It acts as an emulsifier to bring all the ingredients together and adds a tangy layer to the dressing.
• Salt
  A pinch of salt brings out the flavors of the other ingredients, helping to enhance the sweetness of the oranges and the creaminess of the feta, while also balancing the tang from the vinegar.
• Black pepper
  Freshly ground black pepper adds a hint of heat and complexity to the dressing, tying all the flavors together with a little bit of warmth and spice.

How to Make Mandarin Orange Salad

Serving Suggestions for Mandarin Orange Salad

This salad shines when paired with grilled chicken, shrimp, or even salmon. The smoky flavors from the grill contrast beautifully with the bright, citrusy sweetness of the mandarins. A warm protein on top or on the side makes for a satisfying, balanced meal that feels light yet indulgent.

If you’re planning a picnic or a potluck, this salad is the perfect addition. Its freshness holds up beautifully, and the vibrant colors make it visually stunning on any table. Just keep the dressing separate and drizzle it right before serving to keep everything crisp and fresh!

For a cozy, comforting meal, serve this salad alongside a warm loaf of crusty bread—maybe a sourdough or a freshly baked baguette. You can even dip the bread into the tangy dressing left at the bottom of the salad bowl, ensuring no flavor goes to waste. It’s the ultimate way to mop up all the deliciousness.

How to Store Mandarin Orange Salad

If you find yourself with leftovers (which, let’s be honest, is a rare but lovely situation), storing this salad properly will help maintain its crispness and flavor. First things first, if you’ve already dressed the salad, it’s best to store it in an airtight container in the fridge. However, the greens can get a bit soggy if left with the dressing for too long, so if you’re prepping ahead, I recommend keeping the dressing separate and drizzling it over the salad just before serving.

If you do have dressed salad leftovers, don’t fret—just store it in the fridge, and enjoy it within a day or two for the best taste. The citrus might lose a little of its punch after sitting for a while, but the flavors will still be fresh and delicious. I also like to keep the almonds in a separate bag or container to maintain their crunchy texture.

For those who prefer to store the components individually, you can keep the mandarin oranges, greens, and sliced onion in separate containers, and they’ll last a bit longer. This way, when you’re ready for your next serving, everything stays fresh and you can quickly toss them all together with some new dressing. The key is keeping everything sealed tightly to prevent wilting or drying out.

Conclusion

And there you have it—a bright, refreshing Mandarin Orange Salad that’s perfect for any occasion, whether it’s a light lunch, a picnic dish, or even a side for your grilled favorites. The combination of sweet mandarins, crunchy almonds, creamy feta, and tangy dressing makes each bite feel like a burst of sunshine on a plate. It’s simple, delicious, and so versatile—it’s bound to become one of your go-to recipes!

I really hope you give this salad a try and make it your own. Feel free to play around with the ingredients, add a little extra of your favorite flavors, or try it with different proteins to mix things up. I’d love to hear how it turns out for you or if you have any questions along the way. What do you think? Does it sound like a salad you’d whip up on a cozy afternoon, or maybe bring to a gathering? I’m always here for a good chat about food, so don’t hesitate to leave a comment or share your thoughts with me. Happy cooking, friends!

Print Recipe

Mandarin Orange Salad

Author: Emily Roberts Courses: Dessert

Difficulty: Beginner Prep Time 15 mins Total Time 15 mins

Calories: 300

Description

A refreshing blend of sweet, juicy mandarin oranges, crisp lettuce, and crunchy almonds, all tossed in a tangy, citrusy dressing. This vibrant salad bursts with zesty flavors and textures, making each bite a bright, energizing experience!

Ingredients

Scale

1/2x 1x 2x 3x

• 2 cups mixed greens

• 1 cup mandarin oranges, drained

• ¹⁄₂ cup sliced almonds

• ¹⁄₄ cup red onion, thinly sliced

• ¹⁄₄ cup feta cheese, crumbled

• ¹⁄₄ cup olive oil

• 2 tablespoons white wine vinegar

• 1 tablespoon honey

• ¹⁄₂ teaspoon Dijon mustard

• ¹⁄₄ teaspoon salt

• ¹⁄₄ teaspoon black pepper

Instructions

1. Begin by gathering all the ingredients for the Mandarin Orange Salad.
2. Wash the mixed greens thoroughly and pat them dry with a paper towel or clean kitchen cloth.
3. Place the mixed greens in a large salad bowl, making sure they are evenly spread out.
4. Drain the mandarin oranges, discarding any excess juice.
5. Add the mandarin oranges to the bowl with the mixed greens, ensuring they are evenly distributed.
6. Measure out the sliced almonds and sprinkle them evenly over the greens and oranges.
7. Thinly slice the red onion, making sure the slices are as uniform as possible.
8. Add the thinly sliced red onion to the salad bowl.
9. Crumble the feta cheese and sprinkle it evenly over the salad ingredients.
10. In a small bowl, combine the olive oil, white wine vinegar, and honey.
11. Add the Dijon mustard to the mixture in the small bowl.
12. Whisk the ingredients together until the dressing is smooth and well-combined.
13. Season the dressing with salt and black pepper, and whisk again to incorporate the seasoning.
14. Pour the dressing over the salad ingredients in the large bowl.
15. Toss the salad gently, ensuring all the ingredients are coated with the dressing.
16. Serve immediately or refrigerate for up to 30 minutes before serving for a slightly chilled salad.

Note

• Make sure to drain the mandarin oranges thoroughly to prevent the salad from becoming too soggy.
• If you prefer a milder flavor, soak the red onion slices in cold water for a few minutes before adding them to the salad.
• For a sweeter touch, you can add more honey to the dressing to suit your taste.
• Try to use fresh feta cheese for the best flavor and texture, rather than pre-crumbled.
• This salad can be topped with grilled chicken or shrimp for added protein.

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