Mandarin Orange Salad

The first bite of a Mandarin Orange Salad is like a citrusy explosion that dances on your taste buds. Imagine juicy mandarin oranges glistening under the sunlight, surrounded by crisp greens and topped with crunchy nuts—a delightful medley that invites you to dig in. With each forkful, you experience the sweet tang of oranges mingling with the creamy dressing, creating a flavor symphony that can brighten up even the gloomiest day.

Growing up, my family would whip up this salad during summer BBQs or festive gatherings. The mixture of colors and textures was always a hit; it brought smiles and satisfaction as we reminisced about old times while savoring each bite. Whenever I make this dish now, it takes me back to those sunny afternoons filled with laughter and good food. Trust me when I say that this is not just a salad; it’s an experience waiting to unfold!

I still remember my friend’s eyes lighting up when she took her first bite of this salad at my last dinner party.

Essential Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:

• Fresh Spinach or Mixed Greens: Choose vibrant greens for optimal freshness; they provide the perfect backdrop for our star ingredient.
• Mandarin Oranges: Canned or fresh; both work well! Just ensure they are juicy and bursting with flavor.
• Red Onion: A thinly sliced onion adds a zesty crunch that complements the sweetness of the oranges.
• Chopped Nuts (Almonds or Pecans): Toasted nuts give an extra layer of richness while adding satisfying crunch.
• Cranberries (Dried): These little gems add sweetness and a pop of color—plus they’re packed with antioxidants!
• Olive Oil: Use high-quality extra virgin olive oil for drizzling; it enhances the overall flavor beautifully.
• Balsamic Vinegar: Adds depth and balances out the sweetness from the oranges perfectly.
• Salt & Pepper: Basic but essential seasonings that elevate all the flavors in this salad.

The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.

Let’s Make it Together

Gathering your ingredients is half the fun! Now let’s get down to business and whip up this delightful dish together.

Prep Your Greens: Start by washing your spinach or mixed greens thoroughly in cold water until they’re clean and crisp. Pat them dry gently with a kitchen towel.

Slicing Time: Next, grab your red onion and slice it thinly. The goal here is to have delicate rings that will blend seamlessly into our vibrant salad.

Toss in the Oranges: If using canned mandarin oranges, drain them well before adding them to the bowl. If you’re using fresh ones, peel and segment them carefully.

Add Some Crunch: Now it’s time for those chopped toasted nuts! Sprinkle them generously over your greens along with dried cranberries for that delightful contrast.

Create Your Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, balsamic vinegar, salt, and pepper until combined into a smooth dressing—think creamy clouds dancing together.

Toss It All Together: Drizzle the dressing over your beautiful mix of greens and toss gently until everything is evenly coated—this is where magic happens!

Enjoy every colorful bite of your freshly made Mandarin Orange Salad! Whether served alongside grilled chicken or as part of a potluck feast, it promises bright flavors and smiles all around!

Perfecting the Cooking Process

To make the best Mandarin orange salad, prep your ingredients first. Chop veggies while the oranges are peeling to save time and ensure everything is fresh and crisp.

Add Your Touch

Feel free to jazz up your salad with nuts for crunch or feta cheese for creaminess. Swap out ingredients based on what you love or have on hand!

Storing & Reheating

Store any leftover salad in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. However, avoid reheating as salads are best enjoyed fresh.

The first time I made this Mandarin orange salad was at a potluck, and let’s just say, it disappeared faster than I could say “pass the dressing!” Friends kept asking for the recipe, which felt like winning a cooking Oscar.

FAQ

Can I use canned mandarin oranges?

Canned mandarin oranges work, but fresh ones offer better flavor and texture.

What dressing pairs well with this salad?

A simple vinaigrette or honey-lime dressing complements the flavors beautifully.

Is this salad suitable for meal prep?

Yes, but store the dressing separately until serving to keep it fresh!

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Mandarin Orange Salad

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• Author: Jennifer
• Total Time: 15 minutes
• Yield: Serves 4

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Description

Mandarin Orange Salad is a vibrant, refreshing dish combining juicy mandarin oranges, crisp greens, and crunchy nuts. It’s the perfect light meal or side for any occasion.

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Ingredients

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• 4 cups fresh spinach or mixed greens
• 1 cup canned or fresh mandarin oranges, drained and segmented
• 1/4 cup red onion, thinly sliced
• 1/3 cup chopped almonds or pecans
• 1/2 cup dried cranberries
• 3 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
• 1 tbsp balsamic vinegar
• Salt & pepper to taste

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Instructions

1. 1. Wash and dry the spinach or mixed greens thoroughly.
2. 2. Thinly slice the red onion.
3. 3. If using fresh mandarin oranges, peel and segment; if canned, drain well.
4. 4. In a large bowl, combine the greens with red onion, mandarin oranges, chopped nuts, and dried cranberries.
5. 5. In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, balsamic vinegar, salt, and pepper to create the dressing.
6. 6. Drizzle the dressing over the salad mixture and toss gently to coat evenly.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 0 minutes
• Category: Salad
• Method: Mixing
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 cup (150g)
• Calories: 190
• Sugar: 11g
• Sodium: 95mg
• Fat: 9g
• Saturated Fat: 1g
• Unsaturated Fat: 7g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 25g
• Fiber: 4g
• Protein: 4g
• Cholesterol: 0mg