0 from 12 votes
Mandarin Orange Salad Recipe
This salad has everything: bright, zesty flavors, creamy textures, and a satisfying crunch thanks to the sweet candied pistachios. It’s a feel-good salad that’s easy to make, yet it feels fancy enough for any special occasion.
Prep Time
15 mins
Cook Time
15 mins
Total Time
17 mins
Servings: 6
Calories: 323 kcal
Course:
Salad
Cuisine:
American
Ingredients
For the candied pistachios:
- 1 cup pistachios
- 3 tablespoons granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon honey
- Pinch of flaky sea salt
For the dressing:
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 2 tablespoons Mandarin Orange juice
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 1 teaspoon poppy seeds
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- Kosher salt and black pepper, to taste
For the salad:
- 2 to 3 heads butter lettuce, roughly chopped
- 2 cups mandarin orange slices, from about 4-5 mandarin oranges
- 2 green onions, sliced
- 1 large avocado, sliced
- 1/3 cup feta cheese
- 2 tablespoons chopped mint
Instructions
- First make the candied pistachios. In a medium skillet over medium heat, add the sugar and honey. Let cook until sugar is dissolved. Add the pistachios and a pinch of flaky sea salt, stirring to combine. Turn the heat to medium high and cook for 1 to 2 minutes, stirring constantly until the sugar mixture evenly coats the pistachios. Transfer the pistachios to a piece of parchment paper and spread in an even layer. The coating will be sticky but will harden as the nuts cool. Let cool completely.
- In a small bowl or jar, whisk together the olive oil, orange juice, lemon juice, honey, Dijon, poppy seeds, garlic, salt, and pepper.
- To assemble the salad, place the lettuce in a large bowl or on a platter. Top with orange slices, green onions, avocado, feta cheese, mint, and candied pistachios.
- Drizzle with dressing and toss until well coated. Serve immediately.
Cup of Yum
Notes
- For best results, Use fresh mandarins, but canned mandarins will work in a pinch.
- How to store, once the salad is assembled and dressed, it is best eaten the same day.
- Make the candied pistachios and dressing ahead of time. Store the pistachios in an airtight container on the counter for up to 1 week. Keep the dressing in the fridge in a jar or container for up to 1 week. Whisk well before using.
- For extra protein, add chicken, salmon, shrimp, or even chickpeas or hard-boiled eggs.
Nutrition Information
Calories
323kcal
(16%)
Carbohydrates
29g
(10%)
Protein
8g
(16%)
Fat
22g
(34%)
Saturated Fat
3g
(15%)
Polyunsaturated Fat
5g
Monounsaturated Fat
15g
Cholesterol
7mg
(2%)
Sodium
354mg
(15%)
Potassium
642mg
(18%)
Fiber
6g
(24%)
Sugar
21g
(42%)
Vitamin A
2452IU
(49%)
Vitamin C
27mg
(30%)
Calcium
122mg
(12%)
Iron
2mg
(11%)
Nutrition Facts
Serving: 6Serving
Amount Per Serving
Calories 323
% Daily Value*
| Calories | 323kcal | 16% |
| Carbohydrates | 29g | 10% |
| Protein | 8g | 16% |
| Fat | 22g | 34% |
| Saturated Fat | 3g | 15% |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 5g | 29% |
| Monounsaturated Fat | 15g | 75% |
| Cholesterol | 7mg | 2% |
| Sodium | 354mg | 15% |
| Potassium | 642mg | 14% |
| Fiber | 6g | 24% |
| Sugar | 21g | 42% |
| Vitamin A | 2452IU | 49% |
| Vitamin C | 27mg | 30% |
| Calcium | 122mg | 12% |
| Iron | 2mg | 11% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.