You won’t believe how a simple mix of vibrant greens and sweet citrus can brighten up your day! This Mandarin Orange Salad is like a little party on your plate, where every bite bursts with color and flavor. The jewel-toned mandarin segments peek through a bed of crisp spinach, peppery arugula, and crunchy romaine, creating a palette that’s as pleasing to the eyes as it is to the palate. I remember the first time I tossed this together on a lazy Sunday afternoon—I was craving something light but exciting, and the result felt like sunshine in a bowl. There’s just something magical about the blend of those juicy oranges and creamy feta that makes each forkful feel like a celebration of fresh, wholesome ingredients.
Not only does this salad look amazing, it delivers a symphony of tastes and textures. The sweet-tart dressing, made with honey and Dijon mustard, coats every leaf in a gentle glaze, while the toasted almonds add that satisfying crunch you didn’t know you needed. It’s beginner-friendly yet sophisticated enough to serve as a showstopper at your next dinner party. Whether you’re whipping it up as a healthy lunch, an elegant appetizer, or a side dish to accompany grilled chicken or shrimp, this salad is endlessly adaptable. I’ll never forget the smiles around my table the first time I served it—my friends couldn’t stop raving about the bright citrus flavor dancing alongside creamy feta and nutty almonds. Trust me, once you’ve experienced this delicious melody of ingredients, you’ll keep this recipe in heavy rotation!
KEY INGREDIENTS IN MANDARIN ORANGE SALAD
Before diving into the step-by-step instructions, let’s talk about the star players that make this salad so irresistible. Each ingredient brings its own unique texture and flavor, coming together in perfect harmony to create a refreshing dish you’ll want to eat again and again.
- Mixed salad greens
A vibrant trio of spinach, arugula, and romaine provides a variety of textures—from tender to crisp—and a mix of mild and peppery flavors that serve as the perfect canvas for the other ingredients.
- Mandarin oranges
Sweet and juicy, these citrus segments offer a burst of sunshine in every bite, their bright flavor cutting through the greens for a lively contrast.
- Sliced almonds
When toasted, these nuts become fragrant and golden, adding a crunchy texture and a subtle, buttery flavor that ties the salad together.
- Red onion
Thinly sliced for just the right bite, the red onion brings a sharp, slightly sweet note that balances the sweetness of the oranges.
- Feta cheese
Crumbly and creamy, feta contributes a tangy, salty element that elevates the overall flavor profile with its rich, savory presence.
- Olive oil
A high-quality extra-virgin olive oil forms the base of the dressing, lending richness and a silky mouthfeel.
- White wine vinegar
This vinegar adds a bright, tangy acidity that wakes up your taste buds and balances the sweetness of the honey.
- Honey
A natural sweetener that brings depth and smoothness to the dressing while complementing the mandarin oranges.
- Dijon mustard
Just a hint of this sharp mustard gives the dressing body and a slight kick, emulsifying the oil and vinegar into a cohesive pourable sauce.
- Salt and pepper
Essential seasonings that enhance every flavor in the salad, allowing each ingredient to shine.
HOW TO MAKE MANDARIN ORANGE SALAD
Ready to whip up this delightful salad? Follow these simple steps to create a dish that’s as fun to make as it is to eat.
1. In a large mixing bowl, combine the mixed salad greens, drained mandarin oranges, red onion slices, and crumbled feta cheese. Gently toss with your hands or salad tongs to distribute ingredients evenly without bruising the delicate leaves.
2. In a small skillet over medium heat, toast the sliced almonds for about 2–3 minutes, stirring frequently until they turn golden brown and release their nutty aroma. Transfer to a plate to cool, ensuring they retain their crisp texture.
3. In a separate small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, white wine vinegar, honey, and Dijon mustard. Season with salt and pepper to taste, then continue whisking until the dressing is smooth and slightly thickened, forming a cohesive emulsion.
4. Drizzle the dressing over the salad mixture, starting with a little and adding more as needed. Use a pair of salad tongs to toss everything together, making sure each leaf and orange segment is lightly coated in the honey-Dijon vinaigrette.
5. Sprinkle the toasted almonds on top of the dressed salad, scattering them evenly so every serving gets a satisfying crunch.
6. Serve immediately, or for an extra-chilled bite, cover and refrigerate the salad for up to 30 minutes before serving. This helps meld the flavors and cools everything down for a refreshing treat on a warm day.
SERVING SUGGESTIONS FOR MANDARIN ORANGE SALAD
This Mandarin Orange Salad is versatile and pairs beautifully with a variety of dishes. Whether you’re hosting a casual summer barbecue or serving an elegant dinner, these suggestions will help you present the salad in style and enhance its bright, citrusy appeal.
- With grilled protein
Serve alongside grilled chicken or shrimp for a balanced meal. The savory char from the grill complements the sweet oranges and tangy feta.
- As a canapé base
Spoon small portions onto endive leaves or cucumber rounds for bite-sized appetizers that look stunning on a party platter.
- Make it heartier
Add avocado slices or quinoa to your salad to turn it into a more filling entrée, with creamy texture or extra protein blending seamlessly with the other flavors.
- Paired with soup
Offer this salad alongside a warm bowl of butternut squash soup or tomato bisque for a comforting contrast between hot and cold, creamy and crisp.
HOW TO STORE MANDARIN ORANGE SALAD
If you’re planning ahead or have leftovers, proper storage is key to keeping this salad fresh and flavorful. Follow these tips to maintain the delightful textures and vibrant tastes until you’re ready to enjoy every last bite.
Storing salads with delicate greens and crunchy nuts can be tricky, but by separating components and using the right containers, you’ll preserve both flavor and texture. For short-term storage, it’s best to keep the dressing and garnishes separate until serving time.
- Refrigerate greens and oranges separately
Place the mixed salad greens and mandarin segments in an airtight container, layering a paper towel on top to absorb any excess moisture. Store in the coldest part of the fridge for up to 24 hours.
- Keep dressing in its own jar
Transfer the honey-Dijon vinaigrette into a small, sealed jar or container. Shake gently before using to re-emulsify any separated oil and vinegar.
- Store almonds at room temperature
Once cooled, keep the toasted almonds in a resealable bag or jar at room temperature for up to a week, ensuring they stay crisp and crunchy.
- Assemble just before serving
For the best experience, combine greens, oranges, and feta right before you’re ready to eat. Drizzle on the dressing and top with almonds to maintain optimal texture and freshness.
CONCLUSION
This Mandarin Orange Salad has all the hallmarks of a standout dish: bright citrus notes, creamy cheese, crunchy nuts, and a zesty honey-Dijon dressing that ties it all together. Whether you’re looking for an easy lunch, an elegant appetizer, or a vibrant side dish to complement grilled proteins, this salad delivers. Its beginner-friendly nature makes it accessible for cooks of all levels, and the minimal prep time—just 15 minutes—means you can whip it up on even the busiest of days. The resting time in the fridge ensures a delightfully chilled experience, perfect for warm afternoons or as a refreshing counterpoint to heartier mains. At just 365 calories per serving, it’s a guilt-free way to indulge in fresh, wholesome ingredients.
Feel free to print this article and save it for later reference—you’ll want to revisit this recipe again and again. You can also scroll down to check out the FAQ section for answers to common questions about substitutions, make-ahead tips, and more. If you give this Mandarin Orange Salad a try, I’d love to hear how it turned out for you! Leave a comment below with your questions, feedback, or any personal twists you added. Happy cooking, and here’s to many more delicious salad creations in your kitchen!
Mandarin Orange Salad
Description
Bursting with sweet mandarin oranges, crisp mixed greens, and zesty honey-Dijon dressing, this vibrant salad delivers a symphony of fresh flavors and textures topped with crunchy toasted almonds.
Ingredients
Instructions
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In a large mixing bowl, combine the mixed salad greens, drained mandarin oranges, red onion slices, and crumbled feta cheese. Toss gently to combine.
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In a small skillet, toast the sliced almonds over medium heat for about 2-3 minutes until golden brown. Set aside to cool.
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In a separate small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, white wine vinegar, honey, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper to make the dressing. Adjust seasoning to taste.
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Drizzle the dressing over the salad mixture and toss to coat evenly.
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Sprinkle the toasted almonds on top of the salad.
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Serve immediately, or refrigerate for up to 30 minutes before serving for a chilled option.
Note
- This salad pairs wonderfully with grilled chicken or shrimp for added protein.
- You can substitute goat cheese or blue cheese for a different flavor profile.
- Add some avocado slices for a creamy texture that complements the oranges.
- The salad can be prepared a few hours ahead but add the almonds just before serving to maintain their crunch.
- If you prefer a sweeter dressing, increase the amount of honey or use orange juice instead of vinegar.
