Name: Delicious Mandarin Orange Salad for a Refreshing Twist
Prep time: 15 min
Total time: 15 min
Ingredients: 4 cups Baby Spinach or Mixed Greens (Nutrient-packed crunch); 0.5 cups Dried Cranberries (Can swap with raisins or dried cherries); 0.25 cups Red Onions (Thinly sliced; green onions are a milder alternative); 0.5 cups Crumbled Feta Cheese (Goat cheese can be used for a different twist); 1 cup Mandarin Oranges (Drained if canned, fresh oranges are great); 0.25 cups Sliced Almonds or Nuts (Toasted for enhanced flavor); 0.33 cups Olive Oil (Avocado oil is an alternative); 3 tablespoons Red Wine Vinegar (Can substitute with lemon juice); 0.25 cups Orange Juice (Use zest from an orange too); 1 tablespoon Honey (Maple syrup for a vegan alternative); 1 teaspoon Dijon Mustard (Yellow mustard works in a pinch); 0 Kosher Salt (Essential for seasoning); 0 Coarse Ground Black Pepper (Essential for seasoning)

Jump to Recipe Print Recipe

As I stood in my kitchen, the sweet scent of mandarin oranges wafted through the air, instantly brightening my mood. This Easy Mandarin Orange Salad is my go-to recipe when I crave something quick, nutritious, and vibrant. With juicy mandarin oranges and chewy dried cranberries nestled among a mix of fresh greens, this dish comes together in just 15 minutes, making it a breeze to whip up on busy days. It’s a captivating crowd-pleaser, perfect for everything from family dinners to potlucks, and it’s even kid-friendly! Additionally, it’s an excellent healthy option that can be made ahead, so you can focus on enjoying your time with loved ones. Ready to share a taste of sunshine? Let’s dive into this delightful salad!

What makes this salad so special?

Freshness You Can Feel: This Mandarin Orange Salad bursts with bright flavors and textures, combining juicy mandarin oranges and chewy cranberries with crisp greens.

Quick and Easy: Ready in just 15 minutes, it’s perfect for those busy weeknights or unexpected guests!

Crowd-Pleaser: Kids and adults alike will adore this vibrant salad addition at picnics or potlucks.

Healthy and Nutritious: Packed with vitamins and fiber, this salad is a wholesome option that doesn’t skimp on flavor.

Versatile Variations: Feel free to mix it up—try swapping in different nuts or cheeses like goat cheese to tailor it to your taste!

Make-Ahead Friendly: Prepare ingredients in advance for easy assembly later, allowing you to focus on the enjoyment instead.

Mandarin Orange Salad Ingredients

For the Salad
• Baby Spinach or Mixed Greens – The fresh base of the salad that provides a nutrient-packed crunch.
• Dried Cranberries – Add a burst of sweetness and texture; feel free to swap with raisins or dried cherries if desired.
• Red Onions – Offer a sharp flavor and vibrant color; green onions are a milder alternative.
• Crumbled Feta Cheese – Adds creaminess and a tangy kick; goat cheese can be used for a different twist.
• Mandarin Oranges – The sweet star ingredient, bringing juiciness; fresh oranges are great but canned ones work wonderfully for convenience.
• Sliced Almonds or Nuts (Walnuts/Sunflower Seeds) – Provide a delightful crunch and healthy fats; toasting them before use enhances their flavor.

For the Dressing
• Olive Oil – The rich base that ties everything together; avocado oil is a tasty alternative if you prefer.
• Red Wine Vinegar – Adds acidity for balance; substitute lemon juice for a brighter flavor.
• Orange Juice & Zest – Intensifies the citrusy goodness; remember to zest the orange before juicing for maximum flavor!
• Honey – The sweetener that brings harmony to the dressing; use maple syrup for a vegan alternative.
• Dijon Mustard – Introduces depth and a hint of tang; yellow mustard works in a pinch.
• Kosher Salt & Coarse Ground Black Pepper – Essential for seasoning your Mandarin Orange Salad, adding depth to each bite.

Step‑by‑Step Instructions for Easy Mandarin Orange Salad

Step 1: Prepare the Salad Base
In a large salad bowl, combine about 4 cups of baby spinach or mixed greens with ½ cup of dried cranberries and ¼ cup of thinly sliced red onions. Use tongs to gently toss the ingredients together until the greens are evenly mixed with the cranberries and onions. If you enjoy a creamy texture, sprinkle crumbled feta cheese on top at this stage.

Step 2: Mix the Dressing
In a small bowl, whisk together ⅓ cup of olive oil, 3 tablespoons of red wine vinegar, and ¼ cup of freshly squeezed orange juice. Add 1 tablespoon of honey, 1 teaspoon of Dijon mustard, the zest of half an orange, and a pinch of kosher salt and coarse ground black pepper. Continue whisking until all the ingredients are well blended and emulsified, creating a smooth dressing.

Step 3: Fold in the Mandarins and Nuts
Just before serving your delightful Mandarin Orange Salad, fold in 1 cup of mandarin oranges (drained if using canned) and ¼ cup of toasted sliced almonds or your choice of nuts. Use a spatula to gently mix everything together, ensuring the oranges and nuts are coated in the vibrant greens without breaking apart the fruit.

Step 4: Dress the Salad
Pour the prepared dressing over the salad right before serving. Use tongs to carefully toss and coat all the ingredients evenly, making sure the mandarin oranges and toppings are well distributed. The colorful salad should be bright and appealing, with the dressing glistening on the vibrant greens and fruits.

Mandarin Orange Salad Variations

Feel free to get creative with this Mandarin Orange Salad—add your personal touch to make it even more delightful!

Creamy Avocado: Add sliced avocado for a rich, creamy texture that pairs beautifully with the citrus. The buttery avocado elevates the salad to another level of indulgence.
Crunchy Celery: Introduce sliced celery for an extra crunchy bite. It brings a refreshing crunch that complements the other textures without overshadowing the mandarin oranges.
Subtle Green Onions: Swap red onions for sliced green onions to achieve a milder taste, perfect for those who prefer a gentler onion flavor in their salads. This simple change can make the salad even more appealing to kids!
Nutty Variety: Experiment with different nuts like walnuts or pecans instead of almonds for a unique twist. Toasting them beforehand amplifies their flavor and adds a lovely aroma that will entice everyone to the table.
Zesty Citrus: Incorporate grapefruit segments alongside the mandarin oranges for a vibrant citrus medley. This adds a layer of real zest and tanginess that brightens up the salad.
Spicy Kick: For a hint of heat, sprinkle in some crushed red pepper flakes. This surprising twist elevates the flavor profile and creates an exciting contrast to the sweetness of the oranges.
Herb Infusion: Toss in fresh herbs like mint or basil for a fragrant touch. The fresh herbs bring a garden-fresh aroma and a burst of flavor that enlivens the entire salad. Consider adding some fresh herbs for an aromatic enhancement.
Sweet Dried Fruits: Swap dried cranberries for dried cherries or apricots for added sweetness and variation in flavor. This change adds a different sweetness that complements the salad beautifully and keeps it interesting.

With these variations, you have the flexibility to customize your salad and impress your family or guests with each delightful twist!

Expert Tips for Mandarin Orange Salad

Dressing Balance: Taste your dressing as you go—adjust honey and vinegar until you achieve the sweetness you desire.
Prep Freshness: To keep your Mandarin Orange Salad vibrant, store the dressing and nuts separately if not serving immediately to prevent wilting.
Ingredient Substitutions: Feel free to swap out dried cranberries for raisins or dried cherries, and use green onions for a milder flavor that kids might prefer.
Add Protein: For a heartier meal, fold in grilled chicken or shrimp just before serving, making it a satisfying main dish.
Make Ahead: Prepare the ingredients ahead of time. Just combine them and dress the salad shortly before serving to keep everything fresh.

How to Store and Freeze Mandarin Orange Salad

Fridge: Store any leftover Mandarin Orange Salad in an airtight container for up to 24 hours. Keep the dressing separate until ready to serve to maintain the freshness of the greens.

Dressing: The dressing can be prepared in advance and stored in the fridge for up to a week. Whisk well before using as ingredients may separate.

Freezer: It’s not recommended to freeze the salad, as the fresh ingredients, especially greens and mandarins, will lose their texture upon thawing.

Reheating: If you’ve added proteins like grilled chicken, refrigerate separately and enjoy cold or at room temperature. Do not reheat dressed salad; serve fresh!

What to Serve with Easy Mandarin Orange Salad

Enjoying a vibrant, fresh salad can elevate any meal, and this delightful creation pairs perfectly with a variety of dishes.

Grilled Chicken: Juicy grilled chicken complements the sweetness of the salad, adding a satisfying protein element to your meal.
Quinoa Bowl: A wholesome quinoa bowl with roasted veggies provides a hearty base that contrasts wonderfully with the salad’s bright flavors.
Garlic Bread: Golden, crusty garlic bread is perfect for soaking up any leftover dressing on your plate, marrying the flavors together.
Citrus-Infused Rice: Light and zesty citrus rice enhances the salad’s orange notes, creating a refreshing and cohesive dining experience.
Sparkling Water: Refreshing sparkling water with citrus slices adds a bubbly touch, harmonizing beautifully with the salad’s vibrant ingredients.
Chocolate Mousse: For dessert, velvety chocolate mousse offers a rich, indulgent contrast to the lightness of the salad, making for a delightful ending.

Make Ahead Options

These Easy Mandarin Orange Salad components are perfect for meal prep enthusiasts! You can prepare the salad base, which includes the baby spinach, dried cranberries, and red onions, up to 24 hours in advance. Simply toss these ingredients in a large bowl and cover tightly in the refrigerator to maintain their freshness. For the dressing, combine olive oil, red wine vinegar, orange juice, honey, Dijon mustard, and seasoning in a separate jar and refrigerate it for up to 3 days. When it’s time to serve, simply fold in the mandarin oranges and toasted nuts, drizzle the dressing over the salad, and toss gently. This way, you can enjoy a delicious and vibrant Mandarin Orange Salad with minimal effort, allowing you to savor quality time with family and friends!

Mandarin Orange Salad Recipe FAQs

How do I select ripe mandarin oranges?
Look for mandarin oranges that are firm, smooth, and heavy for their size. The skin should be vibrant and free from dark spots or blemishes. A sweet, fragrant aroma indicates ripeness, making them perfect for your salad!

What’s the best way to store leftover salad?
To store leftover Mandarin Orange Salad, place it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. Keep the dressing separate if you want to preserve the greens’ freshness and prevent them from wilting.

Can I freeze Mandarin Orange Salad?
Freezing this salad is not recommended because the fresh ingredients like greens and mandarin oranges will lose their texture upon thawing. However, if you want to freeze the dressing, it can be stored in an airtight container for up to a month. Just remember to thaw it in the fridge before use and whisk well to recombine.

What should I do if my dressing is too sweet?
If your dressing turns out too sweet, simply add a splash of red wine vinegar or lemon juice to balance the flavors! This acidity will cut through the sweetness, giving you a more balanced dressing. Always taste as you go and adjust until it fits your preference.

Are there any dietary considerations I should be aware of?
Absolutely! If you’re cooking for someone with allergies, ensure they aren’t allergic to any of the ingredients, especially nuts or dairy from the feta cheese. For a vegan alternative, use maple syrup instead of honey and skip the feta. This Mandarin Orange Salad is also naturally vegetarian-friendly!

How long can I keep the dressing in the fridge?
You can prepare the dressing ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to a week. Make sure to give it a good whisk before using, as the ingredients may separate during storage. This makes it a convenient option for meal prep!