Mandarin Orange Salad
User Reviews
5
Mandarin Orange Salad
Description
Mandarin Orange Salad features a mix of fresh spring greens accompanied by drained mandarin oranges, dried cranberries, and roughly chopped candied pecans. The salad is dressed with a vinaigrette combining olive oil, orange juice, apple cider vinegar, honey, minced shallots, Dijon mustard, and seasoning. The dressing is whisked until smooth and half is drizzled over the salad, which is gently tossed to avoid breaking the delicate oranges. Crumbled feta cheese is sprinkled on top just before serving to add a creamy texture and slightly salty flavor.
The salad brings together sweet, tart, and nutty flavors, intertwined with a variety of textures from soft citrus segments to crunchy pecans and crisp greens. The preparation avoids breaking the mandarin pieces to maintain their integrity and visual appeal. The dressing’s balance of acidity and sweetness ties the components together without overpowering them.
Serve this salad fresh and immediately after tossing to preserve the texture of the greens and the shape of the orange segments. The flavors pair well with grilled chicken or fish, or it can stand alone as a light, refreshing dish. Canned mandarins may be substituted with fresh clementines for a slightly different but equally vibrant flavor.
Ingredients
For the salad
- 6 cups spring greens mixed
- 11 ounce can mandarin orange drained
- 1/2 cup dried cranberries
- 1/2 cup pecans roughly chopped, candied
- 1/4 cup feta cheese crumbled
For the dressing
- 1/3 cup olive oil
- 2 tablespoons orange juice
- 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 1 tablespoon shallot minced
- salt to taste
- black pepper to taste
Instructions
For the salad
- Place the mixed greens, oranges, dried cranberries and pecans in a large bowl.
For the dressing
- Place all the dressing ingredients in a small bowl, then whisk until smooth.
- Drizzle 1/2 cup of the dressing over the salad, then gently toss to coat. You may have dressing left over.
- Sprinkle the feta cheese over the top of the salad, then serve immediately.
Notes
- Fresh clementines can be used instead of canned mandarin oranges for a fresher citrus flavor.
- Toss the salad gently to keep the mandarin pieces intact and prevent them from breaking.
- Best served immediately to retain the freshness and texture of the greens and citrus.
Nutrition Information
Show DetailsNutrition Facts
Serving: 6Serving
Amount Per Serving
Calories 231 kcal
% Daily Value*
| Calories | 231kcal | 12% |
| Carbohydrates | 23g | 8% |
| Protein | 1g | 2% |
| Fat | 16g | 25% |
| Saturated Fat | 2g | 10% |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 3g | 18% |
| Monounsaturated Fat | 11g | 55% |
| Sodium | 48mg | 2% |
| Potassium | 114mg | 2% |
| Fiber | 2g | 8% |
| Sugar | 19g | 38% |
| Vitamin A | 366IU | 7% |
| Vitamin C | 17mg | 19% |
| Calcium | 29mg | 3% |
| Iron | 1mg | 6% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.
User Reviews
Overall Rating
5
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