Refreshing Mandarin Orange Salad Recipe

The sun shines bright on a warm day, and the only thing that can make it better is a bowl of Mandarin Orange Salad. This vibrant dish bursts with juicy citrus flavors that dance on your palate like they’re auditioning for a musical. Picture this: crisp greens mingling with sweet mandarin segments, all drizzled in a zesty dressing that makes your taste buds sing. It’s like springtime in a bowl—a refreshing hug for your mouth!

I remember the first time I made this salad for a family barbecue. My cousin took one bite and exclaimed it was like sunshine on a plate! Now every summer gathering includes this dish. Perfectly bright and oh-so-tasty, it’s an instant crowd-pleaser. Trust me; your guests will be begging for the recipe. Let’s dive into this delightful creation!

I still vividly recall my aunt’s reaction when she first tasted this Mandarin Orange Salad—it was pure bliss.

Essential Ingredients

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

• Fresh Spinach: Choose vibrant green leaves; they add a lovely base filled with nutrients.
• Mandarin Oranges: Opt for canned mandarins packed in juice for sweetness or fresh ones if they’re in season!
• Red Onion: Thinly sliced red onions provide a zesty crunch; soak them in cold water to mellow their flavor.
• Pecans or Walnuts: Toasted nuts add a delightful crunch; keep an eye on them as they brown quickly.
• Feta Cheese: Crumbled feta gives a creamy texture that perfectly contrasts the freshness of the greens.
• Olive Oil: Use extra virgin olive oil for rich flavor; it enhances every ingredient beautifully.
• Balsamic Vinegar: A splash of balsamic adds depth; feel free to substitute with apple cider vinegar if preferred.
• Honey or Maple Syrup: Just a touch of sweetness rounds out the dressing; adjust based on your taste.

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

Let’s Make it together

Gather your ingredients because we’re about to whip up some magic!

Prepare Your Greens: Rinse the fresh spinach under cool water and pat dry with paper towels. Tear any large leaves into bite-sized pieces for easy eating.

Slicing Time!: Thinly slice the red onion and soak it in cold water while you prepare the rest of the salad. This helps reduce the sharpness while adding crunch.

Add Those Sweet Mandarins!: Drain your canned mandarin oranges (or peel fresh ones) and set them aside. Their juicy goodness is about to shine!

Toss in Nuts and Cheese: In a large mixing bowl, combine spinach, mandarin oranges, sliced red onion, toasted pecans or walnuts, and crumbled feta cheese.

Create That Dressing!: In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, balsamic vinegar, honey or maple syrup until fully blended. Taste it—feel free to adjust sweetness according to preference.

Toss It Up!: Drizzle the dressing over your salad mix and gently toss until everything is coated. Serve immediately to enjoy all those fresh flavors at their best!

And just like that—you’ve created an unforgettable Mandarin Orange Salad that’s sure to impress! Whether it’s a sunny picnic or simply lunch at home, this colorful dish brightens any table setting.

Enjoy every moment as you share this delightful recipe with friends and family!

Perfecting the Cooking Process

Start by prepping your ingredients first; this ensures a smooth assembly process for your salad. Chop your greens, segment the oranges, and whisk the dressing before combining everything in one bowl for maximum flavor fusion.

Add Your Touch

Feel free to add nuts like pecans or walnuts for extra crunch or toss in some avocado for creaminess. Swap out the dressing with a honey-lime vinaigrette to elevate the sweetness even more.

Storing & Reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to two days. Avoid reheating as salads are best enjoyed fresh; just refresh them with a little extra dressing if needed.

I once made this Mandarin Orange Salad for a family gathering, and it vanished faster than you can say “citrus explosion!” Everyone asked for seconds, proving that fresh flavors can steal the show.

FAQ

Can I use canned mandarin oranges instead?

Yes, but fresh oranges provide better texture and flavor in this Mandarin Orange Salad.

What can I pair with this salad?

Grilled chicken or fish complements this salad beautifully, enhancing its vibrant flavors.

How long does this salad last in the fridge?

This salad stays fresh for about two days if stored properly in an airtight container.

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Mandarin Orange Salad

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

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Description

Mandarin Orange Salad is a vibrant, refreshing dish that pairs sweet citrus with crisp greens and crunchy nuts, making it perfect for any occasion.

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Ingredients

• Fresh spinach
• Canned or fresh mandarin oranges
• Red onion
• Pecans or walnuts
• Feta cheese
• Extra virgin olive oil
• Balsamic vinegar
• Honey or maple syrup

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Instructions

1. Rinse and dry spinach; tear into bite-sized pieces.
2. Thinly slice red onion and soak in cold water to mellow flavor.
3. Drain canned mandarins or peel fresh ones.
4. In a large bowl, mix spinach, mandarins, drained onions, toasted nuts, and crumbled feta.
5. Whisk together olive oil, balsamic vinegar, and honey or maple syrup for dressing; adjust sweetness to taste.
6. Drizzle dressing over salad mix and gently toss before serving.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 0 minutes
• Category: Salad
• Method: No cooking required
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 cup - 150g
• Calories: 220
• Sugar: 10g
• Sodium: 240mg
• Fat: 14g
• Saturated Fat: 3g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 20g
• Fiber: 3g
• Protein: 5g
• Cholesterol: 15mg