If you’re searching for a refreshing, vibrant salad that balances sweet, tangy, and crunchy textures, this Mandarin Orange Salad Recipe will be your new go-to. Bursting with juicy mandarin segments, crisp lettuces, and a tangy vinaigrette, it’s a dish that feels light yet satisfying. The interplay of creamy feta, crunchy sugared almonds, and a touch of green from scallions creates a harmony of flavors that makes every bite exciting. Perfect as a side or even on its own, this salad brings a splash of sunshine to any meal.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Don’t be intimidated by salads that sound fancy—this recipe uses simple, everyday ingredients that come together to create something truly special. Each component adds its own magic: crunchy, creamy, sweet, and tangy all at once.
- ½ cup sugared almonds: Adds a delicious sweet crunch that contrasts beautifully with the tangy dressing.
- ½ head Romaine lettuce (or bibb lettuce, chopped): Provides a fresh, crisp base with a mild flavor.
- ½ head iceberg lettuce (chopped): Offers crunch and lightness to balance the sweeter elements.
- ½ cup diced celery: Delivers a refreshing crisp texture and subtle earthy notes.
- ½ cup chopped green onions: Gives a mild oniony punch without overpowering the salad.
- 3 Mandarin oranges (peeled and segmented): The star ingredient; juicy and sweet, they brighten the entire dish.
- ¼ cup crumbled Feta cheese: Brings a creamy saltiness that pairs perfectly with the fruit.
- ½ cup croutons: For an added crunch that keeps the salad interesting and hearty.
- 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar: Adds tang and depth to the dressing.
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar: Balances the acidity, enhancing the sweetness of mandarins.
- 2 tablespoons minced fresh parsley: Gives a fresh herbal note and bright color.
- 1 green onion (sliced thin): Adds a delicate bite to the vinaigrette.
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt: Essential for seasoning and highlighting all flavors.
- ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper: Provides mild heat and depth.
- ¼ cup canola oil (or vegetable oil): Creates a smooth, rich dressing that coats the salad perfectly.
How to Make Mandarin Orange Salad Recipe
Step 1: Combine the Salad Ingredients
Start with a large serving bowl and toss together the chopped Romaine and iceberg lettuces, diced celery, and chopped green onions. Add the peeled and segmented mandarin oranges, crumbled feta cheese, and sugared almonds. Mixing all these fresh components first ensures every bite will be a delightful medley of textures and flavors before you even add the dressing.
Step 2: Prepare the Vinaigrette
Whisk together the apple cider vinegar, sugar, minced fresh parsley, thinly sliced green onion, kosher salt, and black pepper until the sugar dissolves and everything combines. Slowly stream in the canola oil while whisking vigorously to emulsify the dressing. This vinaigrette is the heart of the dish, bringing together sweet, tangy, and herbal notes that lift the salad beautifully. Cover and refrigerate it for at least one hour to let the flavors meld and deepen.
Step 3: Dress and Toss the Salad
When you’re ready to serve, drizzle just enough vinaigrette over the salad to lightly coat all the ingredients. Then, add the crunchy croutons and gently toss everything together. The croutons should stay crisp, providing a satisfying texture contrast. Serve immediately to enjoy the freshest flavors and textures this Mandarin Orange Salad Recipe has to offer.
How to Serve Mandarin Orange Salad Recipe
Garnishes
To add a little visual wow and an extra flavor boost, sprinkle some freshly chopped parsley or thin strips of green onion on top. You can also scatter a few extra sugared almonds or feta crumbles for those moments when each bite needs a little something special. These garnishes not only enhance the appearance but also give your salad an inviting freshness.
Side Dishes
This salad pairs beautifully with grilled chicken or fish for a light and healthy meal. Think of it as a crisp and refreshing companion to smoky or savory mains. It also makes a fantastic side for holiday dinners or summer barbecues, balancing out heavier dishes with its bright flavors.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve this Mandarin Orange Salad Recipe in individual small bowls or clear glass cups to show off the vibrant colors. Layering the lettuce, mandarins, and toppings can create an eye-catching presentation at your next gathering. Alternatively, make it into a lettuce cup appetizer by spooning some salad mixture into large kale or collard green leaves for bite-sized freshness.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have leftovers, store the salad and dressing separately in airtight containers in the fridge. When the salad sits with the dressing, it tends to get soggy. Keep the croutons separate to maintain their crunch. You can toss everything together again just before serving.
Freezing
Freezing this salad is not recommended. The fresh mandarin oranges and lettuce will lose their texture and become watery after thawing, which will diminish the overall experience.
Reheating
Since this salad is best served fresh and cold, reheating is not necessary. Just prepare enough to enjoy in one sitting for the best flavor and texture balance.
FAQs
Can I substitute mandarins with another fruit?
Yes! While mandarins are the star of this salad, you can try substituting with peeled orange segments, grapefruit, or even canned mandarins if fresh ones are not available. Just keep in mind that the sweetness and texture might vary slightly.
Is this salad gluten-free?
The salad itself is gluten-free, but be cautious with the croutons. Choose gluten-free croutons or omit them to keep the dish safe for gluten-sensitive eaters.
Can I make the dressing without sugar?
If you prefer to avoid granulated sugar, you can use honey, agave syrup, or another sweetener of your choice to balance the acidity in the vinegar.
How long does the salad stay fresh?
When stored properly, the components of the salad last up to two days in the refrigerator if kept separate. Once dressed, it’s best consumed within a few hours.
Can I add protein to this salad?
Absolutely! Grilled chicken, shrimp, or tofu make excellent additions if you want to turn this Mandarin Orange Salad Recipe into a complete meal. Just add them on top right before serving.
Final Thoughts
This Mandarin Orange Salad Recipe is one of those dishes that feels both luxurious and homey at the same time. Its vibrant colors, bright flavors, and mix of textures make it impossible not to smile while eating. Whether you’re serving it to guests or enjoying a peaceful lunch, it’s guaranteed to please and delight. Give it a try—you might just find a new favorite salad that you’ll want to make again and again.
Print
Mandarin Orange Salad Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 10 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Salad
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A refreshing and vibrant Mandarin Orange Salad featuring crisp lettuce, juicy mandarin segments, crunchy sugared almonds and croutons, tangy apple cider vinaigrette, and a touch of feta cheese, perfect as a light lunch or side dish.
Ingredients
Salad Ingredients
- ½ cup sugared almonds
- ½ head Romaine lettuce (or bibb lettuce), chopped
- ½ head iceberg lettuce, chopped
- ½ cup diced celery
- ½ cup chopped green onions
- 3 Mandarin oranges, peeled and segmented
- ¼ cup crumbled Feta cheese
- ½ cup croutons
Vinaigrette Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
- 2 tablespoons minced fresh parsley
- 1 green onion, sliced thin
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt
- ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- ¼ cup canola oil (or vegetable oil)
Instructions
- Combine Salad Ingredients: In a large serving bowl, mix together the chopped Romaine and iceberg lettuces, diced celery, chopped green onions, mandarin orange segments, sugared almonds, and crumbled Feta cheese until well combined.
- Prepare Vinaigrette: Whisk together the apple cider vinegar, granulated sugar, minced fresh parsley, thinly sliced green onion, kosher salt, black pepper, and canola oil in a separate bowl until the dressing is emulsified. Cover and refrigerate for at least one hour to allow the flavors to meld.
- Toss Salad with Dressing: Drizzle the prepared vinaigrette over the salad just enough to lightly coat the ingredients. Add the croutons last and gently mix everything together to combine. Serve the salad immediately for the best texture and flavor.
Notes
- For best results, refrigerate the dressing for at least one hour before using to enhance flavor.
- Feel free to substitute sugared almonds with regular toasted almonds for a less sweet version.
- To save time, pre-washed and chopped lettuce mixes can be used.
- The salad is best served immediately after adding the croutons to maintain their crispness.
- Can be customized by adding grilled chicken or shrimp for a more substantial meal.
