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Delicious Mandarin Orange Salad with fresh greens and tangy oranges.

Mandarin Orange Salad

This vibrant Mandarin Orange Salad features fresh citrus, creamy avocado, and crunchy pecans, making it a perfect side or a light main dish.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 5 minutes
Total Time 20 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Course: Salad, Side Dish
Cuisine: American, Healthy
Calories: 250
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Dressing
  • ¼ cup freshly squeezed orange juice (or mandarin juice) Use fresh juice for brighter flavor.
  • ½–1 teaspoon orange zest Increases flavor; use fresh for best results.
  • ¼ cup olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
  • 2 teaspoons honey Adjust to taste.
  • 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar or red wine vinegar
  • ½ teaspoon salt (to taste)
  • ¼ teaspoon black pepper (to taste)
  • 1 small clove garlic, minced or grated
  • ½ teaspoon dried thyme
Salad
  • 6 cups mixed greens (romaine, spring mix, red leaf lettuce, baby spinach, arugula, or a blend) Ensure greens are fresh and crisp.
  • ½ cup candied pecans or lightly toasted pecans Pre-candied for convenience; can toast raw pecans.
  • 4–6 pieces mandarin oranges (peeled and separated into sections) or 2 cans mandarin oranges drained Fresh preferred for better texture.
  • 2 small avocados (peeled, pitted and diced) Add just before serving to prevent browning.
  • ½ cup pomegranate seeds or dried cranberries
  • ½ cup crumbled feta Substitute for goat cheese for variation.
  • ¼ cup sliced shallots or red onion Slice thinly to ensure blending with the dressing.

Method
 

Preparation
  1. Peel and segment the mandarin oranges, ensuring to remove any pith.
  2. Dice the avocados just before assembly to prevent browning.
  3. Slice the shallots very thinly and arrange the mixed greens in a large bowl.
Make the Dressing
  1. Combine the orange juice, orange zest, olive oil, Dijon mustard, honey, vinegar, minced garlic, dried thyme, salt, and pepper in a jar.
  2. Whisk or shake vigorously until emulsified and chill for 15-30 minutes.
  3. Adjust salt or honey to taste before serving.
Assemble the Salad
  1. In a large bowl, add mixed greens and lightly toss with shallots, pomegranate seeds, pecans, feta, mandarin segments, and avocado.
  2. Drizzle with the chilled dressing and toss gently to coat.

Notes

Serve chilled but not cold; allow the salad to sit for 5-10 minutes before serving for best flavor. Transport components separately for optimal freshness.