Name: Mandarin Orange Salad Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Total time: 10 min
Yield: 6
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1/4 cup frozen orange juice concentrate, thawed; 1 Tbsp water; 1/2 tsp fresh orange zest; 3 Tbsp olive oil (or avocado oil); 2 Tbsp granulated sugar; 1 Tbsp apple cider vinegar; 1/4 tsp sea salt; 1/2 tsp poppy seeds; 10 oz spinach & spring mix (or any other greens); 1 11 oz can mandarin orange segments, well drained; 1/2 cup Craisins; 1/3 cup sliced toasted almonds

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This mandarin orange salad recipe is bursting with fresh flavor and can be made any time of year. The homemade orange salad dressing takes it to a new level, and it will be a huge hit anywhere you serve it!

Green salad topped with juicy mandarine oranges, chewy craisins, and crunchy almonds, all topped off with a simple orange vinaigrette dressing. A simply delicious salad!

mandarin orange salad with orange salad dressing in the background

Most of my kids are content to only eat side salad with ranch dressing, but I love finding new ways to serve fresh produce with our meals.

This mandarin salad is a new favorite! Not only does it have bright citrus flavor, it uses simple ingredients that are easy to find even in the dead of winter.

I took it to a book club potluck, and everyone loved it. It’s perfect for everything from bridal showers to family gatherings.

HOW TO MAKE MANDARIN ORANGE SALAD:

DRESSING – Stir together the orange juice, water, orange zest, oil, white sugar, vinegar, salt, and poppy seeds in a small mason jar or other airtight container. Cover and chill while you prepare the salad.
SALAD – Arrange the salad greens in a large bowl. Drain the can of mandarin oranges and arrange them on top of the salad with the craisins and almonds.
SERVE – You can either serve the salad with the dressing on the side, or toss the dressing into the bowl until all the ingredients are well coated.

The salad is best served immediately, but you can store leftovers in the fridge for a few days. It’s definitely better to store it without the dressing, or it gets soggy.

You can store any leftover dressing in the refrigerator for up to two weeks. Simply shake before serving.

The salad is best served immediately, but you can store leftovers in the fridge for a few days. It’s definitely better to store it without the dressing, or it gets soggy.

You can store any leftover dressing in the refrigerator for up to two weeks. Simply shake before serving.

This easy mandarin orange salad is so versatile, so feel free to adapt it to your own tastes. You can add or subtract any of the toppings.

VARIATIONS:

You can use any greens you like for the base of this salad. I like the spinach and spring mix blend, but my kids like it with half iceberg lettuce. Use a combination of any leafy greens!
For extra crunch, toss in some sunflower seeds or pepitas.
Candied almonds can be used in place of the sliced almonds, or you could simply use pecans or walnuts.
Toss in some diced green onions or sliced red onion.
Feta cheese, goat cheese, or shaved parmesan are all a nice addition.

MORE TASTY SALAD RECIPES:

Yield: 6 servings