Mandarin Orange Salad

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.

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.

• 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.