Mandarin Orange Salad
Refreshing Mandarin Orange Salad: A Step-by-Step Guide
If you’re looking for a salad that’s light, refreshing, and bursting with citrusy sweetness, the Mandarin Orange Salad is the perfect choice. It’s colorful, easy to make, and ideal as a side dish for lunch, dinner, or even as a vibrant addition to holiday meals. This salad combines crisp greens, juicy mandarin segments, and a hint of crunch, all dressed in a tangy-sweet dressing.
Ingredients You’ll Need
For the salad:
1 can (11 oz) of mandarin orange segments, drained (or fresh mandarin slices)
6 cups mixed salad greens (romaine, spinach, arugula, or spring mix)
½ cup sliced almonds, toasted
½ cup shredded carrots
¼ cup thinly sliced red onion
½ cup crumbled feta cheese or goat cheese (optional)
½ cup dried cranberries or raisins (optional)
For the dressing:
3 tablespoons olive oil
2 tablespoons white wine vinegar or apple cider vinegar
1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup
1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
Salt and black pepper to taste
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Salad Base
Start by washing your salad greens thoroughly under cold water. Spin them dry in a salad spinner or pat dry with a clean kitchen towel. Place the greens in a large mixing bowl as the base of your salad.
Step 2: Add Vegetables and Crunch
Add shredded carrots and thinly sliced red onions to the greens. These ingredients give the salad texture, color, and subtle flavor contrasts.
Step 3: Toast the Almonds
In a small pan over medium heat, toast the sliced almonds until they turn golden brown and emit a nutty aroma. Stir constantly to prevent burning. Once done, remove from heat and allow them to cool slightly before adding to the salad.
Step 4: Incorporate the Mandarin Oranges
Drain the mandarin oranges if using canned ones, or peel and segment fresh mandarins. Gently fold them into the salad, being careful not to mash the delicate fruit. Their bright, juicy flavor is the star of this dish.
Step 5: Add Cheese and Optional Ingredients
Sprinkle crumbled feta or goat cheese over the salad for a creamy, tangy element. If you like, add dried cranberries or raisins for a touch of sweetness. These optional ingredients make the salad more complex and flavorful.
Step 6: Make the Dressing
In a small bowl or jar, whisk together olive oil, vinegar, honey, and Dijon mustard until well combined. Season with a pinch of salt and freshly ground black pepper. Taste and adjust the sweetness or acidity to your liking.
Step 7: Dress the Salad
Pour the dressing over the salad just before serving. Toss gently to coat all ingredients evenly without crushing the mandarin slices. The dressing should lightly coat the salad rather than drenching it.
Step 8: Serve Immediately
Transfer the salad to a serving bowl or individual plates. Garnish with extra toasted almonds or a few whole mandarin slices for a visually appealing presentation. Serve fresh and enjoy the burst of citrus flavor in every bite.