There’s just something about a mandarin orange salad that screams freshness and vitality! This salad is light, zesty, and packed with vibrant flavors that make it the perfect accompaniment to any meal—or even a stand-alone dish on a warm day. I absolutely love the way the sweet, juicy mandarin oranges pop against the crisp mixed greens and crunchy almonds. It’s not just a feast for the eyes; it’s also a healthy option that’s rich in vitamins and nutrients. Trust me, once you try this salad, you’ll want to make it a regular on your menu!
Ingredients for Mandarin Orange Salad
To whip up this refreshing mandarin orange salad, you’ll need the following ingredients:
- 4 cups mixed greens (I love using a mix of baby spinach, arugula, and romaine for a nice crunch!)
- 1 cup mandarin oranges, drained (fresh or canned, but fresh is always best!)
- 1/2 cup sliced almonds (they add such a delightful crunch)
- 1/4 cup red onion, thinly sliced (for that zing)
- 1/4 cup feta cheese, crumbled (this adds a creamy, tangy kick)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil (extra virgin for the best flavor)
- 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar (for a touch of sweetness)
- Salt and pepper to taste (don’t skimp on seasoning!)
Gather these ingredients, and you’re all set to create a salad that’s not only beautiful but bursting with flavor!
How to Prepare Mandarin Orange Salad
Making this delightful mandarin orange salad is a breeze! Follow these simple steps to whip up a fresh, vibrant dish that’ll impress everyone.
Step 1: Combine the Base Ingredients
Start with a large bowl and toss the mixed greens in. Then, gently add the drained mandarin oranges, sliced almonds, thinly sliced red onion, and crumbled feta cheese. I love to give it a little fluff as I mix, so everything is well-distributed and looks beautiful!
Step 2: Prepare the Dressing
In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil and balsamic vinegar. This is where the magic happens! Add a pinch of salt and pepper to taste—don’t skip this step, as it really brings all the flavors together. Make sure it’s emulsified and well-mixed!
Step 3: Dress the Salad
Drizzle the dressing over the salad mixture. Now, grab two large utensils and toss everything gently. You want to coat all those lovely ingredients without bruising the greens. Just a few folds will do the trick!
Step 4: Serve Immediately
Presentation is key! Serve the salad in a beautiful bowl, and consider garnishing with a few extra mandarin slices or almonds on top for that wow factor. Enjoy it fresh for the best taste!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick to prepare—ready in just 15 minutes!
- Bright, zesty flavors that awaken your taste buds.
- Packed with nutrients, making it a healthy choice.
- Versatile—perfect as a side dish or a light meal.
- Customizable with add-ins like grilled chicken or avocado.
Tips for Success with Your Mandarin Orange Salad
To make your mandarin orange salad truly shine, here are a few pro tips! First, always opt for fresh mandarin oranges when possible; they add a burst of sweetness that canned ones just can’t match. If you want to elevate the dish further, consider adding some grilled chicken or shrimp for a protein boost—trust me, it turns this salad into a satisfying meal! Also, don’t be shy with the seasoning; a little extra salt and pepper can enhance the flavors tremendously. And remember, toss gently to keep those greens crisp and vibrant!
Nutritional Information Disclaimer
Keep in mind that nutritional values can vary based on the specific ingredients and brands you choose. On average, each serving of this mandarin orange salad contains about 180 calories, 12g of fat, 4g of protein, and 14g of carbohydrates. It’s a deliciously healthy option for any meal!
FAQ About Mandarin Orange Salad
Can I make this salad ahead of time? You can prep the ingredients in advance, but I recommend adding the dressing just before serving to keep everything fresh and crisp.
What can I substitute for feta cheese? If feta isn’t your thing, crumbled goat cheese or even a dairy-free alternative can work beautifully!
Is this salad good for meal prep? Absolutely! Just store the ingredients separately and combine them when you’re ready to eat.
Can I add other fruits? Yes! Sliced strawberries or blueberries would be delightful additions, giving a lovely contrast in flavors!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
If you find yourself with leftover mandarin orange salad (which is rare, but it happens!), here’s how to store it properly. First, transfer any uneaten salad to an airtight container. It’s best to keep the dressing separate until you’re ready to enjoy it again; this keeps the greens crisp and fresh. Stored this way, your salad will stay good in the fridge for up to 2 days. Just remember, no reheating is necessary—this salad is best served cold and fresh! When you’re ready to dig in, give it a gentle toss, add a little extra dressing if you like, and enjoy!
For more information on the health benefits of mandarin oranges, you can check out this Healthline article.
If you’re looking for more delicious recipes, try this Creamy Garlic Parmesan Pasta or Berrylicious Strawberry Crunch Cheesecake.
Print
Mandarin Orange Salad: 5 Fresh Ways to Brighten Your Day
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A refreshing mandarin orange salad with mixed greens and a light dressing.
Ingredients
- 4 cups mixed greens
- 1 cup mandarin oranges, drained
- 1/2 cup sliced almonds
- 1/4 cup red onion, thinly sliced
- 1/4 cup feta cheese, crumbled
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- In a large bowl, combine mixed greens, mandarin oranges, sliced almonds, red onion, and feta cheese.
- In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, balsamic vinegar, salt, and pepper.
- Drizzle the dressing over the salad.
- Toss gently to combine.
- Serve immediately.
Notes
- Feel free to add grilled chicken for extra protein.
- Use fresh mandarin oranges for the best flavor.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: Tossing
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 14g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 5mg
Keywords: mandarin orange salad, salad recipes, healthy salads
