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Mandarin Orange Salad

This mandarin orange salad is fresh, sweet and loaded with flavor. It is topped with an amazing homemade orange salad dressing that you can’t live without!

Mandarin orange salad in a bowl.
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Favorite Spring Salad

Around this time of year, I crave ALL the salads and this mandarin salad is absolutely one of my top recipes. The fresh ingredients mixed with the sweet orange vinaigrette is such a great combination. We love to top it with grilled chicken to make it a full meal.

This mandarin salad always makes an appearance for the holidays! It comes from my Aunt’s ‘Favorites’ cookbook and everyone loves it! In her original recipe, she also adds in green onions, mushrooms, avocado and tomatoes, however my family prefers it with just mandarins, cranberries and nuts. Another holiday favorite passed down over the years is this ambrosia salad!

This salad is so versatile…you can really add in anything and it would still be just as delicious! Just make sure to keep in the mandarin oranges because that’s what makes the whole salad recipe! It is SO good!

Recipe Ingredients

The star of the show is this delicious orange salad dressing. It calls for only a few simple ingredients and is so easy to make. It’s similar to a poppy seed dressing, but with an orange twist. The orange juice and zest add a fresh flavor that is simply irresistible.

Orange salad ingredients on counter.

Find the full printable recipe with specific measurements below.

Orange Salad Dressing

  • Frozen orange juice concentrate: Do not add any water to this. Just use it as-is.
  • Orange zest: This adds even more citrus and a bit of lovely freshness. Naval oranges work well.
  • Olive oil: The good fat that brings it all together and helps coat the salad in dressing.
  • Vinegar: I used an apple cider vinegar, but distilled or white wine vinegar would work as well.
  • Sugar: Not a lot, but just a little to help balance the sweetness.
  • Lemon juice: This add the tartness the dressing needs.
  • Salt: Just a little to help enhance all of the other flavors.

Salad

  • Spring mix: You can also opt for spinach, if you prefer.
  • Mandarin oranges: I love to use the canned because they are so juicy and add a really nice citrus.
  • Dried cranberries: This adds a lovely tartness and sweetness to the salad.
  • Sliced almonds: Swap out almonds for walnuts or pecans. You can even use candied pecans if preferred.

How to Make Mandarin Orange Salad

It takes such a little amount of time and effort to create something that may become your new holiday tradition.

Orange salad dressing in a jar.
  • Toss the salad. Add the spring mix, mandarin oranges, cranberries, and almonds to a large bowl and toss.
  • Make the Orange Salad Dressing. Add all ingredients in a mason jar and shake until combined.
  • Dress the salad. Drizzle the dressing over the spring mix mixture and toss until well coated. Serve.

Variations

  • Any type of greens will work. I used spring mix, but arugula, kale or spinach all taste great.
  • Add sliced grilled chicken for more protein.
  • If limiting sugar, you can easily omit the dried cranberries.
  • Feel free to add more toppings like fresh shaved parmesan, pomegranates, green onions or sliced avocado.
Mandarin orange salad in a white bowl.

Recipe FAQs

Can I make the orange salad dressing ahead of time?

Absolutely! Just store it in an airtight container in the fridge, then drizzle on top of the salad before serving.

Can I make the dressing in a bowl instead of a jar?

Of course! Just whisk it really well to make sure the oil and vinegar emulsify. Give it a really good whisk before serving.

What can I do with mandarins?

Aside from this amazing salad, mandarin oranges are a staple in my pantry. I love adding them to desserts (like in this no-bake mandarin orange parfait), adding them to my rainbow honey lime fruit salad, or letting my kids snack on them if they need a fruity treat.

Mandarin orange salad in a bowl.

Want more citrus-centric recipes? Try PF Chang’s orange chicken recipe or for lemon loves try crispy lemon baked fish, baked lemon chicken, or lemon chicken fettuccine.

More Fresh Salads with Fruit

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Mandarin orange salad in a white bowl.

Mandarin Orange Salad

5 from 109 votes
↑ Click stars to rate now!
Author: Jamielyn Nye
This mandarin orange salad is fresh, sweet and loaded with flavor. It is topped with an amazing homemade orange salad dressing that you can't live without!
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 10 minutes
Servings: 6

Video

Ingredients 

  • 1 (10-ounce) bag spring mix (or spinach)
  • 1 (11-ounce) can can mandarin oranges
  • ½ cup dried cranberries
  • cup sliced almonds (can use walnuts or pecans as well)

Orange Dressing

  • ¼ cup frozen orange juice concentrate (don't add water)
  • ½ teaspoon orange zest
  • ¼ cup olive oil (or vegetable oil)
  • 2 Tablespoons granulated sugar
  • 1 Tablespoon vinegar (I used apple cider vinegar)
  • ½ Tablespoon lemon juice
  • 1 teaspoon poppyseeds
  • ¼ teaspoon Kosher salt

Instructions

  • In a large bowl, toss the spring mix, mandarin oranges, cranberries, and almonds until combined. 

Orange Dressing

  • In a mason jar, add the orange juice, orange zest, olive oil, sugar, vinegar, lemon juice, and salt. Shake until well combined. Add the poppyseeds and shake just before serving.
  • Pour dressing over the salad. Toss until well coated. 

Notes

Variations: This recipe is easy to customize. Here are some over veggies you can toss in:
  • Sliced green onions
  • Sliced mushrooms
  • Sliced avocado
  • Diced tomatoes
Storage: Store any extra dressing in airtight container in the refrigerator up to 5 days.
Recipe adapted from Jane’s Favorite’s Cookbook.

Nutrition

Calories: 217kcal | Carbohydrates: 27g | Protein: 3g | Fat: 13g | Saturated Fat: 2g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 2g | Monounsaturated Fat: 9g | Trans Fat: 0.002g | Sodium: 112mg | Potassium: 296mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 21g | Vitamin A: 936IU | Vitamin C: 43mg | Calcium: 55mg | Iron: 1mg

Nutrition provided is an estimate. It will vary based on specific ingredients used.

Course: Salad
Cuisine: American

Did you make this recipe? Don’t forget to give it a star rating below!

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