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.