The sweet scent of freshly peeled mandarins wafts through the kitchen, beckoning you to indulge in a dish that’s as bright and cheerful as a sunny day. Imagine juicy mandarin oranges nestled among crisp greens, drizzled with a tangy dressing that dances on your taste buds—welcome to the world of mandarin orange salad. This dish is not just food; it’s a celebration of flavors and textures that will make even the grumpiest of eaters crack a smile.

As I prepare to whip up this delightful salad, I can’t help but recall family gatherings where this vibrant dish stole the spotlight. The laughter, the chatter, and that moment when someone takes their first bite and declares it “the best thing ever!” You know you’ve hit gold when a bowl of salad gets more attention than Aunt Edna’s famous pie. Whether it’s a summer barbecue or a cozy dinner party, this mandarin orange salad is always ready to impress.

There was that one time at my cousin’s wedding when I brought this salad along. It vanished within minutes! Everyone raved about how refreshing it was on such a hot day.

Essential Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:

• Mandarin Oranges: Freshly peeled mandarins add sweetness; look for firm fruits without blemishes for the best flavor.
• Mixed Greens: A blend of baby spinach and arugula works beautifully; they provide a peppery kick against the sweetness.
• Red Onion: Thinly sliced red onion adds sharpness; soak in cold water briefly to mellow its flavor.
• Feta Cheese: Crumbled feta brings creaminess; opt for high-quality feta for maximum flavor impact.
• Olive Oil: Use extra virgin olive oil for richness; it enhances the dressing’s flavor and health benefits.
• Balsamic Vinegar: A splash adds acidity; choose aged balsamic vinegar for depth and sweetness.
• Walnuts: Toasted walnuts add crunch; don’t skip this step—it elevates their nutty flavor dramatically!

The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.

Let’s Make it together

First things first—let’s gather our ingredients so we’re ready to roll!

Prep Your Ingredients: Start by washing your mixed greens thoroughly under cool water until they are crisp and clean. Place them in a large mixing bowl to create a luscious base.

Peel Those Mandarins: Grab those mandarins and carefully peel them with your fingers or use a knife if you prefer. Remove any seeds you encounter because nobody likes an unexpected crunch.

Slicing Time: Slice your red onion thinly like you’re auditioning for a cooking show. Soaking them in cold water while prepping helps take away some of that harsh bite.

The Dressing Magic: In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil and balsamic vinegar until well combined. Drizzle in honey if you crave more sweetness—it’s truly up to you!

Toss It All Together: Pour your dressing over the mixed greens followed by the mandarin segments and walnuts. Gently toss everything together using two forks until evenly coated—like giving your salad its spa treatment.

Add Feta Last: Sprinkle crumbled feta cheese over your masterpiece just before serving to maintain its creamy texture.

And voilà! Your mandarin orange salad is ready to shine on any dining table!

This delightful dish is perfect for brightening up any meal or even just as an afternoon snack when you’re feeling fancy (and who doesn’t want to feel fancy?). With its mix of textures from crunchy greens and creamy feta combined with sweet citrus notes—it’s nothing short of magic!

Perfecting the Cooking Process

To achieve the best results, prepare all your ingredients before mixing. Chop your greens, segment the oranges, and prepare the dressing in advance for an efficient workflow.

Add Your Touch

Feel free to customize this salad! Add nuts for crunch or swap out oranges for seasonal fruits like strawberries or apples for a twist on flavor.

Storing & Reheating

Store leftover salad in an airtight container in the fridge. Enjoy within two days for optimal freshness and flavor; no reheating necessary!

I remember the first time I made this Mandarin Orange Salad for a family gathering. Everyone was raving about it, and my cousin even asked if I could make it every week!

FAQ

What can I substitute for mandarins in this salad?

You can use clementines, tangerines, or even grapefruit segments if you prefer a zingy flavor.

Can I make the dressing ahead of time?

Absolutely! Prepare it up to three days ahead and refrigerate until you’re ready to use it.

Is Mandarin Orange Salad healthy?

Yes! It’s packed with vitamins from the fruits and nutrients from greens, making it a nutritious choice.

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Mandarin Orange Salad

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• Author: Ann Foster
• Total Time: 15 minutes
• Yield: Serves 4

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Description

Mandarin Orange Salad is a vibrant dish that combines sweet citrus and crisp greens, making it perfect for gatherings or a light meal.

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Ingredients

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• 2 cups mixed greens (baby spinach and arugula)
• 1 cup mandarin oranges, peeled and segmented
• ¼ cup red onion, thinly sliced
• ½ cup feta cheese, crumbled
• 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
• 1 tbsp balsamic vinegar
• ¼ cup walnuts, toasted

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Instructions

1. Wash the mixed greens thoroughly and place them in a large bowl.
2. Peel and segment the mandarins, discarding any seeds.
3. Soak the thinly sliced red onion in cold water for a few minutes to mellow its flavor.
4. In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil and balsamic vinegar. Add honey if desired.
5. Drizzle the dressing over the greens followed by the mandarin segments and walnuts. Toss gently to combine.
6. Sprinkle feta cheese over the top just before serving.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 0 minutes
• Category: Salad
• Method: Mixing
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 plate (approximately 200g)
• Calories: 290
• Sugar: 8g
• Sodium: 320mg
• Fat: 21g
• Saturated Fat: 5g
• Unsaturated Fat: 14g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 24g
• Fiber: 4g
• Protein: 6g
• Cholesterol: 15mg