A Mandarin Orange Salad is a refreshing, vibrant dish that combines the sweetness of mandarin oranges with crisp greens, crunchy nuts, and a tangy dressing. It’s perfect for a light side dish or a quick salad to brighten up any meal. You can easily customize it with ingredients like cheese, nuts, or avocado. Here’s a simple recipe for a Mandarin Orange Salad that’s sure to impress!
Mandarin Orange Salad Recipe
Ingredients:
- 4 cups mixed greens (e.g., spinach, arugula, or romaine lettuce)
- 1 can (11 oz) mandarin oranges, drained (or use fresh mandarins if in season)
- 1/2 red onion, thinly sliced
- 1/4 cup sliced almonds (or any nuts you prefer, like walnuts or pecans)
- 1/4 cup feta cheese or goat cheese (optional)
- 1/2 cucumber, thinly sliced (optional)
- 1/2 avocado, sliced (optional)
For the Dressing:
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tbsp white wine vinegar (or apple cider vinegar)
- 1 tbsp honey (or maple syrup for a vegan option)
- 1 tsp Dijon mustard
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 1/2 tsp lemon zest (optional, for extra brightness)
Instructions:
1. Prepare the Salad Ingredients:
- In a large bowl, add the mixed greens.
- Drain the mandarin oranges and set them aside. If you’re using fresh mandarins, peel and segment them.
- Thinly slice the red onion and cucumber, if using.
- If you’re adding avocado, slice it just before serving to prevent browning.
- Lightly toast the sliced almonds in a dry skillet over medium heat for about 2-3 minutes, or until golden and fragrant (optional, but adds great flavor).
2. Make the Dressing:
- In a small bowl or jar, whisk together the olive oil, white wine vinegar, honey, Dijon mustard, lemon zest, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Adjust the sweetness with more honey if needed.
3. Assemble the Salad:
- Gently toss the mixed greens, mandarin oranges, red onion, cucumber, and avocado (if using) together in the large bowl.
- Drizzle the dressing over the salad and toss lightly to coat the ingredients evenly.
- Sprinkle the toasted almonds and feta cheese (or goat cheese) over the top.
4. Serve:
- Serve the salad immediately as a fresh side dish, or pair it with grilled chicken, shrimp, or any light protein for a full meal.
Tips:
- Vegan Version: To make this salad vegan, simply omit the cheese or substitute with a plant-based cheese.
- Add More Protein: Grilled chicken, shrimp, or even quinoa can be added for a more substantial meal.
- Customize the Fruit: In addition to mandarin oranges, you can add other fruits like strawberries, pomegranate seeds, or apple slices to enhance the flavor.
- Make-Ahead: If you need to make the salad ahead of time, keep the dressing separate until just before serving. This will help keep the greens crisp.
