Name: Mandarin Orange Salad
Prep time: 15 min
Total time: 15 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 5 oz mixed salad greens (spinach, arugula, or spring mix); 1 cup mandarin orange segments (fresh or canned in juice, drained); 1/4 red onion, thinly sliced; 1/2 cucumber, thinly sliced or diced; 1 avocado, sliced (optional); 1/3 cup feta cheese or goat cheese, crumbled; 1/4 cup toasted almonds, pecans, or walnuts; 2 tbsp dried cranberries (optional); For the dressing:; 3 tbsp olive oil; 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar or white balsamic vinegar; 1 tbsp honey or maple syrup; 1 tsp Dijon mustard; Salt and pepper to taste

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Mandarin orange salad is light, refreshing, and full of bright, citrusy flavor. It’s the perfect combination of juicy mandarin segments, crisp greens, crunchy toppings, and a sweet-tangy dressing. I love how this salad works for everything from weeknight dinners to holiday gatherings—it’s as beautiful as it is easy to make.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I love this salad because it delivers a perfect balance of sweet, savory, and crunchy in every bite. The mandarin oranges add a juicy pop that pairs beautifully with the crisp greens and creamy or crunchy toppings. It’s quick to throw together, endlessly customizable, and always a crowd-pleaser. Whether I serve it as a side or make it a meal with added protein, it never lasts long on the table. Mandarin Salad

Ingredients

(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Mixed salad greens (spinach, arugula, or spring mix)
Mandarin orange segments (fresh or canned in juice, drained)
Red onion, thinly sliced
Cucumber, thinly sliced or diced
Avocado, sliced (optional)
Feta cheese or goat cheese, crumbled
Toasted almonds, pecans, or walnuts
Dried cranberries (optional)

For the dressing:

Olive oil
Apple cider vinegar or white balsamic vinegar
Honey or maple syrup
Dijon mustard
Salt and pepper

Directions

I start by prepping all the salad ingredients—washing the greens, draining the mandarin oranges, and slicing the veggies.
I arrange the greens in a large serving bowl or platter, then top with mandarin oranges, red onion, cucumber, avocado (if using), cheese, nuts, and cranberries.
In a small jar or bowl, I whisk together the olive oil, vinegar, honey, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper until well combined.
I drizzle the dressing over the salad just before serving and gently toss everything together.
I serve it immediately while everything is fresh and crisp.

Servings and timing

This recipe makes about 4–6 servings as a side dish.
Prep time: 15 minutes
Cook time: 0 minutes
Total time: 15 minutes

Variations

Sometimes I turn this into a full meal by adding grilled chicken, shrimp, or chickpeas. I’ve also swapped the nuts for sunflower seeds for a nut-free option. When I want more texture, I add crispy wonton strips or cooked quinoa. If I’m out of mandarin oranges, I use fresh orange or clementine segments. And for a fall-inspired version, I toss in roasted sweet potatoes or pomegranate seeds.

Storage/Reheating

I store the salad components separately if I’m making it ahead. The greens, mandarin oranges, and toppings go into separate containers, and I keep the dressing in a jar. Once dressed, the salad is best eaten right away—otherwise the greens can get soggy. If I have leftovers that are already dressed, I store them in the fridge and try to eat them within a day. Mandarin Salad

FAQs

Can I use canned mandarin oranges?

Yes, I use canned mandarin oranges packed in juice (not syrup). I drain them well before adding them to the salad.

What type of greens work best?

I like using spring mix, spinach, or arugula. A mix of tender and crisp greens gives the salad a nice texture.

Can I make this salad ahead of time?

Yes, I prep all the components and store them separately. I just wait to add the dressing and avocado until right before serving.

Is this salad dairy-free?

It can be! I simply skip the cheese or use a dairy-free alternative to keep it dairy-free.

What can I serve this with?

This salad pairs well with grilled chicken, salmon, or anything citrusy. I also like serving it alongside soups, sandwiches, or as part of a holiday spread.

Conclusion

Mandarin orange salad is one of those simple dishes that brings big flavor and color to the table. It’s fresh, easy to make, and always feels a little special. Whether I’m making it for a quick lunch or a family dinner, this salad is always a hit—and it never fails to brighten up the plate.