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!
Favorite Winter 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 on Thanksgiving! 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.
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!
Orange salad dressing
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.
- Frozen orange juice concentrate
- Orange zest
- Olive oil
- Vinegar
- Sugar
- Lemon juice
- Salt
Instructions: Add all ingredients in a small bowl and whisk until combined. You can also add the ingredients to a mason jar and shake until combined.
Tips: If you have extra dressing leftover, simply store it in the fridge for up to 5 days. You can also make the dressing a few days in advance if needed. Just store it in the fridge, then drizzle on top of the salad before serving.
Modifications
- 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.
- Can swap out almonds for walnuts or pecans. You can even use candied pecans if preferred.
- 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.
More fresh salads with fruit:
- Spinach Berry Salad
- Apple Cranberry Spinach Salad
- Strawberry Spinach Salad
- Strawberry Burrata Salad
- Winter Salad
Mandarin Orange Salad Recipe
Ingredients
- 10 ounce bag spring mix (or spinach)
- 11 ounce can mandarin oranges
- 1/2 cup dried cranberries
- 1/3 cup sliced almonds (can use walnuts or pecans as well)
Orange dressing
- 1/4 cup frozen orange juice concentrate
- 1/2 teaspoon orange rind
- 1/4 cup olive oil (or vegetable oil)
- 2 Tablespoons granulated sugar
- 1 Tablespoon vinegar (I used apple cider)
- 1/2 Tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon poppyseeds
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Instructions
- Combine the spinach, oranges, cranberries and almonds to a large bowl.
- Add the orange juice, orange rind, olive oil, sugar, vinegar, lemon juice and salt to a mason jar. Shake until well combined. Add the poppyseeds and shake just before serving.
- Pour dressing over the salad just before serving. Toss until combined.
Notes
- Sliced green onions
- Sliced mushrooms
- Sliced avocado
- Diced tomatoes
Nutrition provided is an estimate. It will vary based on specific ingredients used.
Did you make this recipe? Don’t forget to give it a star rating below!
This was a beautiful, delicious, easy salad to make. I will definitely make it again. The only adjustment I made was one tablespoon of sugar instead of two as I don’t like things too sweet.
I’m so glad you enjoyed it. Thank you for your comment Julie! :)
It was wonderful! I served it for guests and everyone loved it and the ladies asked for the recipe!
I’m so glad everyone loved it! Thanks for leaving a comment and review Nancy.
Love how easy and delicious this recipe is. It’s perfect for a gathering or a party.
We love having a fresh salad with dinner! Adding the citrus gives it a nice touch!
Can the dressing be made a day or two ahead of time?
Definitely! I would just wait to add to the salad until just before serving. :)
Salad dressing is amazing. I added finely sliced red onion, creamy goat cheese and toasted the almonds. So good.
I’m so glad you enjoyed it! Sounds delicious!
Absolutely loved this salad. Made double the dressing but didn’t use it all. Will make it again. Hubby loved it too.
I’m so glad it was a hit! Thanks for leaving a comment and review Linda!
I am usually not a huge spinach fan, but this salad was amazing! The sweetness of the orange juice balanced out the slight bitterness that spinach. So refresshing!
Exceptional salad. Light simple and the dressing was perfect. I had 3 different salads on the table and this one went first. Eceveryone was asking for the recipe. Definitely a hit with our family.
I’m happy to hear it was a hit! Thanks for your comment Linda! :)
I used pecans instead of almonds. It was delicious
Sounds delicious!!