Refreshing Mandarin Orange Salad Recipe

The sun shines bright, casting a golden glow on the vibrant colors of a fresh Mandarin Orange Salad. Imagine juicy mandarin oranges dancing among crisp greens and crunchy nuts; it’s a flavor fiesta that will make your taste buds sing! This is not just any salad; it’s the kind of dish that shouts “I’m here to party!” Whether you’re hosting a summer barbecue or simply craving something light and refreshing, this salad is your ticket to culinary joy.

As I recall the first time I made this delightful dish for a family gathering, I was met with gasps of delight from my loved ones. The moment they took their first bite, it felt like fireworks were going off in their mouths. That’s what makes this Mandarin Orange Salad so special—its ability to transform an ordinary meal into an extraordinary feast!

I remember the first time I served this salad; my Aunt Linda declared it “the best thing since sliced bread!”

Essential Ingredients

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

• Mandarin Oranges: Choose juicy mandarins for their sweet flavor; canned ones work too but opt for those packed in juice.
• Mixed Greens: A blend of spinach and arugula adds both color and texture; feel free to customize based on your taste preferences.
• Red Onion: Thinly sliced red onion introduces a zesty kick that balances the sweetness of the oranges.
• Pecans or Walnuts: Toasted nuts offer crunch and depth; choose your favorite nut or mix them up for variety.
• Feta Cheese: Crumbled feta adds creaminess and tanginess; goat cheese also works if you’re feeling adventurous.
• Balsamic Vinaigrette: Use store-bought or homemade vinaigrette for easy dressing; it enhances the overall flavor profile beautifully.

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

Let’s Make it together

First things first: Gather all your ingredients like you’re assembling an A-team of flavors ready to take on the world.

Prep Your Greens: Rinse mixed greens under cold water until they are crisp and clean. Pat them dry gently with a kitchen towel or use a salad spinner.

Slicing Time: Slice the red onion thinly; remember that sharp knives are safer than dull ones! Aim for paper-thin slices as they’ll blend beautifully into the salad without overwhelming your palate.

Add the Oranges: Peel your mandarins (or open that can) and separate them into segments. Gently toss them into your bowl with mixed greens like you’re adding jewels to a crown.

Toss in Some Crunch: Chop your toasted pecans or walnuts roughly before scattering them over the top of your salad. Feel free to go wild here—more crunch equals more fun!

Add Feta: Crumble feta cheese over your salad generously as if you’re covering it in edible snowflakes; don’t skimp on this step unless you want sad lettuce.

Dressing Delight: Drizzle balsamic vinaigrette over everything evenly while giving the salad a gentle toss. Aim for even coverage because nobody likes dry greens!

And voilà! You have crafted a stunning Mandarin Orange Salad that looks like it came straight out of a food magazine! Enjoy immediately or chill in the fridge if you’re saving it for later—though good luck keeping everyone away from diving right in!

Perfecting the Cooking Process

To create the perfect Mandarin orange salad, start by prepping all your ingredients first. Segment the oranges and chop the greens while the dressing marinates. This keeps everything fresh and ensures that each bite bursts with flavor.

Add Your Touch

Feel free to customize your Mandarin orange salad! Toss in some nuts for crunch, swap out greens, or add your favorite cheese. Experimenting with different ingredients can make it uniquely yours.

Storing & Reheating

Store your Mandarin orange salad in an airtight container for up to two days. Keep the dressing separate until serving to maintain freshness and prevent sogginess.

Sharing a memorable moment, my friend once brought this salad to a potluck, and everyone went crazy for it! We finished it before the main course even started, making it an instant classic among our group.

FAQ

What are the best greens for Mandarin orange salad?

Spring mix or spinach pairs beautifully with mandarins, offering great texture and flavor balance.

Can I make this salad ahead of time?

Yes, but keep the dressing separate until you’re ready to serve for optimal freshness.

What other fruits can I add to this salad?

Berries or apples complement mandarins well, adding extra sweetness and crunch to your dish.

Print

Mandarin Orange Salad

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

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Description

Brighten your table with a refreshing Mandarin Orange Salad, featuring juicy citrus, crisp greens, and crunchy nuts—a perfect dish for any gathering.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 2 cups mandarin oranges (fresh or canned)
• 4 cups mixed greens (spinach and arugula)
• 1/4 cup thinly sliced red onion
• 1/2 cup toasted pecans or walnuts
• 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese
• 1/4 cup balsamic vinaigrette

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Instructions

1. Rinse mixed greens under cold water and pat dry.
2. Thinly slice the red onion.
3. Peel mandarins and separate into segments; add to a large bowl with the mixed greens.
4. Roughly chop toasted pecans or walnuts and sprinkle over the salad.
5. Crumble feta cheese generously on top.
6. Drizzle balsamic vinaigrette evenly over the salad and toss gently to combine.

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

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 bowl (200g)
• Calories: 250
• Sugar: 12g
• Sodium: 300mg
• Fat: 15g
• Saturated Fat: 3g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 22g
• Fiber: 4g
• Protein: 6g
• Cholesterol: 15mg

Keywords: Customize your salad by adding other fruits like berries or apples for extra sweetness. Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to two days; keep dressing separate until serving for best results.