## How To Make A Delightful Mandarin Orange Salad
## Introduction
Your day is about to get a whole lot brighter and your meals more vibrant, thanks to this refreshing Mandarin Orange Salad recipe.
This salad is as delicious as it is healthy. Perfect for light meals and versatile enough to go with any dish, it’s sure to impress anyone who tries it.
## Why This Recipe
Why should you make this Mandarin Orange Salad? It’s not just quick and easy to prepare, but also loaded with vitamins and nutrients. Packed with a delightful combination of various textures, this salad delivers a pleasant crunch of greens, the juicy sweetness of mandarin oranges, and the toasted goodness of almonds in every bite.
## How to Make Mandarin Orange Salad
## Ingredients
– 2 cans (11 oz each) mandarin oranges, drained
– 5 cups mixed salad greens (spinach, arugula, etc.)
– 1/2 cup sliced almonds, toasted
– 1/2 small red onion, thinly sliced
– 1/4 cup crumbled feta cheese (optional)
– 1/4 cup olive oil
– 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar
– 1 tbsp honey
– 1 tsp Dijon mustard
– Salt and pepper to taste
## Directions
1. Combine salad greens, mandarin oranges, sliced almonds, red onion, and feta cheese in a large salad bowl.
2. Whisk together olive oil, apple cider vinegar, honey, and Dijon mustard in a small bowl. Season with salt and pepper.
3. Drizzle the dressing over the salad. Toss gently to ensure every ingredient is covered.
4. Serve promptly to preserve the freshness and enjoy.
## How to Serve Mandarin Orange Salad
This salad functions both as a stand-alone dish for a light lunch, or as a complimentary side dish to a larger meal. Be it with grilled chicken or fish, or mixed in a sandwich or wrap, Mandarin Orange Salad very much fits the cuisine.
## How to Store Mandarin Orange Salad
If you have any salad left over, store it in an airtight container and refrigerate. For the best flavor and texture, consume within 2 days.
## Tips to Make Mandarin Orange Salad
– Be sure to drain the mandarin oranges well so that excess moisture doesn’t water down the salad dressing.
– Try adding some grilled chicken or shrimp to turn the salad into a heartier meal.
– Swap out the almonds for walnuts or pecans for variety.
## Variations
– You can replace the feta cheese with goat cheese or blue cheese if preferred.
– Add some fresh mint or basil leaves for a refreshing twist.
– Use a blend of different citrus fruits like sliced grapefruits and oranges for more color and varied flavors.
## FAQs
**Q1. Can I use fresh mandarin oranges instead of canned ones?**
Yes, fresh mandarin oranges can certainly be used. However, using canned mandarin oranges saves time as they are already peeled and segmented.
**Q2. Can I make the salad in advance?**
The salad ingredients can be chopped in advance but it’s best to add the dressing just before serving to avoid soggy greens.
**Q3. What else can I add to this salad?**
You can add a protein like grilled chicken or tofu, or other fruits such as strawberries or apples. Feel free to mix in other types of leafy greens as well to diversify the flavors and textures.