I love the bright, refreshing taste of this Mandarin Orange Salad. It combines sweet citrus, crisp greens, crunchy almonds, and a light citrus-ginger dressing for a perfect balance of flavors and textures.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I appreciate how this salad is both visually stunning and incredibly easy to make. It’s vibrant enough to serve at a special gathering yet simple enough for a weekday meal. The naturally sweet mandarin oranges pair beautifully with tangy dressing, while toasted almonds add satisfying crunch. I can’t resist how fresh and lively it feels with every bite.

Ingredients

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

Mixed salad greens (such as romaine, spinach, or spring mix)
Canned or fresh mandarin orange segments
Sliced red onion or green onion
Sliced cucumber or shaved fennel (optional)
Toasted slivered or sliced almonds
Crumbled feta or goat cheese (optional)
Fresh herbs, like mint or basil (optional)

For the citrus-ginger dressing:

Mandarin orange juice (fresh or from the can)
Rice vinegar or white wine vinegar
Olive oil
Fresh grated ginger
Honey or agave syrup
Salt and pepper

Directions

I start by preparing the dressing: whisk together mandarin orange juice, vinegar, olive oil, grated ginger, and honey in a small bowl until emulsified. I season it with salt and pepper to taste.
I rinse and spin dry the salad greens, then gently place them in a large bowl.
I add mandarin segments, sliced onion, optional cucumber or fennel, toasted almonds, and cheese if I’m using it.
I drizzle the dressing over the salad just before serving, then toss gently to coat everything evenly.
I taste and adjust seasoning—sometimes I add a bit more honey or extra vinegar depending on how bold I want the flavor.

Servings and Timing

This salad serves about 4 people as a side dish.

Preparation time: 10 minutes
Assembly time: 5 minutes
Total time: 15 minutes

Variations

Add protein: I sometimes include grilled chicken, shrimp, or chickpeas to make it a full meal.
Switch up the nuts: Pecans, walnuts, or pistachios work beautifully instead of almonds.
Alternate fruits: Try fresh orange segments, grapefruit, or even berries in place of mandarin oranges.
Cheese options: I love the tang of feta, but goat cheese or shaved parmesan are delicious too.

Storage/Reheating

I store leftover salad separately from the dressing in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. When I'm ready to enjoy it, I let it sit at room temperature briefly, then toss with fresh dressing. I don't recommend reheating—this salad is best served crisp and cold.

FAQs

How do I keep mandarin oranges from making the greens soggy?

I drain any canned segments well and pat fresh ones dry before adding them. I also wait to dress the salad until right before serving to prevent sogginess.

Can I make this salad ahead of time?

I often prep the greens, fruits, and nuts the day before, keeping them separate in containers. I mix everything and add dressing just before serving to preserve freshness.

What can I use instead of mandarin oranges?

I enjoy substituting tangerines, fresh orange slices, grapefruit, or even berries depending on what I have on hand.

Is there a dairy-free version?

Yes, I simply skip the cheese and optionally add more nuts or seeds (like pumpkin seeds) to boost flavor and crunch.

Can I make a creamier dressing?

Absolutely—I mix a bit of Greek yogurt or mayo into the citrus-ginger dressing for a creamier texture that still tastes bright.

Conclusion

This Mandarin Orange Salad is a go-to in my kitchen whenever I want something quick, fresh, and lively. The interplay of sweet citrus, crisp veggies, and zesty dressing never disappoints. I hope you enjoy making—and eating—it as much as I do!

Mandarin Orange Salad

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Author: Sue
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 0 minutes
Total Time: 15 minutes
Yield: 4 servings
Category: Salad
Method: No-Cook
Cuisine: American
Diet: Vegetarian

Print Recipe

Description

A bright, refreshing Mandarin Orange Salad featuring sweet citrus, crisp greens, crunchy almonds, and a light citrus-ginger dressing that is perfect for any occasion.

Instructions

Whisk together mandarin orange juice, vinegar, olive oil, grated ginger, and honey until emulsified. Season with salt and pepper.
Rinse and dry salad greens and place in a large bowl.
Add mandarin segments, onion, optional cucumber or fennel, toasted almonds, and cheese if using.
Drizzle dressing over the salad just before serving and toss gently to combine.
Taste and adjust seasoning with more honey or vinegar as desired.