Description
This Mandarin Salad is a fresh and colorful blend of crisp mixed greens, juicy mandarin oranges, crunchy toasted almonds, crisp cucumber, and a light citrus vinaigrette. Perfect as a refreshing side dish or a healthy lunch, it’s easy to make and ideal for spring, summer, or holiday meals.
Ingredients
For the Salad
- 6 cups mixed salad greens
- 1 cup canned mandarin oranges, drained
- 1 cup cucumber, sliced
- ½ cup shredded carrots
- ¼ cup sliced red onion
- ¼ cup sliced almonds, toasted
- ¼ cup dried cranberries
- ¼ cup crumbled feta cheese (optional)
For the Citrus Dressing
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons orange juice
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the dressing: Whisk together the olive oil, orange juice, apple cider vinegar, honey, Dijon mustard, salt, and black pepper in a small bowl until the dressing is smooth and well combined.
- Assemble the salad: In a large salad bowl, combine the mixed greens, sliced cucumber, shredded carrots, sliced red onion, drained mandarin oranges, dried cranberries, toasted almonds, and crumbled feta cheese if using.
- Add the dressing and toss: Drizzle the freshly prepared citrus vinaigrette over the salad ingredients. Gently toss everything together to evenly coat the salad without bruising the greens.
- Serve immediately: For the best texture and freshness, serve the salad right away to enjoy the crispness of the greens and the bright flavors.
Notes
- Add grilled chicken for a more filling, complete meal.
- Substitute pecans or walnuts for almonds to vary the crunch and flavor.
- Dress the salad just before serving to keep the greens crisp and fresh.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
