Mandarin Orange Salad is a bright and fresh side salad that is bursting with flavor! Made with tender spring mix, sweet mandarin oranges, almonds, cranberries and a fresh Citrus Salad Dressing, this Mandarin Orange Salad is DELICIOUS!
This Mandarin Orange Salad pairs perfectly with Stir Fry Chicken and Bok Choy, Slow Cooker Mongolian Chicken or Orange Chicken.
My kids adore mandarin oranges. To the point that you would think I said I packed them a full chocolate bar when I say they have a pack of mandarin oranges in their lunch boxes.
And by putting mandarin oranges in a simple salad–my kids get excited about eating salad!
Mandarin Orange Salad
This simple salad is made with a delicate spring mix, juicy mandarin oranges, tart dried cranberries and a fresh citrus dressing.
This salad is EVERYTHING I crave when I want something light and fresh, yet full of flavor. Plus it is incredibly easy to make–bonus for busy nights!
Citrus Salad Dressing
This orange salad dressing is incredibly easy to make but is so packed with flavor! I used my salad dressing from my Caribbean Chicken Salad, and this bright fresh vinaigrette pairs beautifully with the mandarin oranges and tender greens.
The key to this salad dressing is the orange juice concentrate–not orange juice. That concentrated flavor really adds the most bang for your buck in this dressing, plus is naturally sweet–meaning you can use less added sugar!
To Make Orange Salad Dressing
- Whisk together the thawed orange juice concentrate, salt, pepper, honey, and rice wine vinegar.
- Next drizzle in the olive oil and and whisk until combined.
If you want a Vegan Salad Dressing, use maple syrup in place of honey.
How to Build a Salad with Mandarin Oranges
This salad is best assembled right before serving. I like to have the Citrus Salad Dressing prepared in advance and then toss everything together while we are setting the table for dinner.
- Right before serving, toss spring lettuce mix with canned mandarin oranges that have been well drained.
- Add dried cranberries for a burst of tart flavor.
- I also like to add toasted almonds for crunch, but feel free to omit if there are any nut allergies.
- Toss the salad with 2 tablespoons salad dressing and serve with the remaining salad dressing on the side.
Can you use fresh mandarin oranges?
This is one instance where I feel like the canned product is better than fresh. Canned mandarin oranges are sweet, seedless, and already prepped! But most importantly they are tender and bite size–making them really easy to eat.
Feel free to use fresh cutie or mandarin oranges, but peel well, be sure to remove seeds and if larger slices, cut in half.
More Tasty Salad Recipes
- Winter Tossed Salad
- Caribbean Salad
- Strawberry Spinach Salad
- Roasted Radicchio Salad
- Roasted Butternut Squash Salad
Mandarin Orange Salad Recipe
I would love to know how you enjoy this recipe! Be sure to leave a comment and let me know. Or snap a picture and tag @amindfullmom on Instagram and hashtag it #amindfullmom
Mandarin Orange Salad
Ingredients
Mandarin Orange Salad
- 10 ounces spring mix or spinach
- 11 ounces mandarin oranges drained
- 1/3 cup dried cranberries
- 1/4 cup sliced almonds
Citrus Salad Dressing
- 1/4 cup frozen orange juice concentrate thawed
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 2 tablespoons rice wine vinegar
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon pepper
Instructions
Citrus Salad Dressing
- Whisk together the orange juice concentrate, honey, rice wine vinegar and salt and pepper together. Add in the olive oil and whisk to incorporate.
Mandarin Orange Salad
- Drain the canned mandarin oranges. Toss the spring mix with 2 tablespoons of the dressing. Add in the mandarin oranges, almonds, and cranberries and serve with additional dressing on the side.
Notes
- It is best to assemble this salad immediately before serving.
- The Citrus Dressing can be stored for 2 weeks in the fridge--it also makes a great marinade for grilled chicken.
- If you want a Vegan Salad Dressing, use maple syrup in place of honey.
- Apple Cider Vinegar or White Vinegar can be substituted for the rice wine vinegar.
Kristen Chidsey
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I needed a quick and easy salad for company found your fabulous recipe! It took no time to prepare and was absolutely delicious!! We all loved it.
I love hearing everyone enjoyed! Thanks for sharing!
I love the Summer season for tasty, fresh salads like this one! Delish!
So glad you enjoyed Beth!