Description
Indulge in a Mandarin Orange Salad thats fresh and zesty with citrus crunch in every bite a vivid craveworthy bowl youll want again Perfect for lunch
Ingredients
4 cups mixed greens (spinach, arugula, or spring mix)
2 cups mandarin orange segments
1/4 medium red onion, thinly sliced
1 medium cucumber, sliced
1/2 fruit avocado, diced
1/3 cup slivered almonds or chopped walnuts
1/4 cup feta cheese or goat cheese, crumbled
2 tablespoons fresh mint, chopped
3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice or orange juice
1 teaspoon honey or maple syrup
1/2 teaspoon Dijon mustard
1/4 teaspoon salt
Black pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Begin with a confident wash of your greens. Spin them dry thoroughly so the salad doesn’t turn watery. Tear or cut into bite-sized pieces if needed. The goal is a crisp base that supports the toppings without wilting under dressing weight.
- Carefully segment the mandarins to remove membranes, which yields tender, juicy pieces that mingle with the greens. Slice cucumber into thin rounds for crunch. If you’re using avocado, dice it just before mixing to prevent browning, and set it aside in a lemon-water splash if you’re prepping early.
- Lightly toast almonds or walnuts in a dry skillet over medium heat, stirring frequently until fragrant and lightly browned. This step unlocks a nutty aroma that makes the dressing sing. Remove from heat and let cool briefly before adding to the salad.
- Whisk together olive oil, lemon or orange juice, honey, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper until emulsified. Taste and adjust the sweetness or acidity to your preference. A well-balanced dressing should be bright but not sharp, with enough sweetness to complement the mandarins’ natural sugars.
- In a large bowl, combine greens, mandarin segments, cucumber, red onion (if using), avocado (if using), mint, and crumbled cheese. Drizzle half of the dressing over the greens and toss gently to coat. Add the nuts and toss again just before serving to keep crunch intact.
- Plate with a final light dusting of pepper and a few mint leaves for aroma. If you prepared ahead, toss with the dressing right before serving to restore freshness and balance. This salad shines when the dressing lightly coats the mix rather than saturates it.
Notes
Mandarin Orange Salad featuring crisp greens, mandarin segments, avocado, nuts, and a bright citrus dressing — a quick, nutritious bowl that’s perfect for weeknights or entertaining.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4 servings
- Calories: 180 kcal
- Sugar: 12 g
- Fat: 12 g
- Carbohydrates: 16 g
- Fiber: 4 g
- Protein: 5 g
