This mandarin orange salad features mixed greens tossed with juicy mandarin slices, dried cranberries, crumbled feta and candied pecans, finished with a bright homemade dressing. It’s an easy, colorful side that pairs nicely with chicken, seafood or grilled proteins.
Citrus and greens are one of my favorite flavor pairings. If you enjoy this salad, try similar combinations like pear salad or strawberry spinach salad for other fruit-forward options.
I always keep a can of mandarin oranges in the pantry — they’re affordable, shelf-stable and kids love them. This salad balances citrus sweetness with tart dried cranberries and crunchy pecans. It’s especially welcome during cooler months alongside winter produce, but it’s light and fresh enough for summer meals as well.
Table of Contents
- Mandarin Orange Salad Ingredients
- How Do You Make Mandarin Orange Salad?
- Tips For The Perfect Dish
- Quick Tip
- Recipe FAQs
- Mandarin Orange Salad Flavor Variations
- Love This Recipe?
- More Salad Recipes To Try
- Mandarin Orange Salad Recipe
Mandarin Orange Salad Ingredients
The salad base includes mixed greens, mandarin oranges (canned or fresh), dried cranberries, candied pecans and feta. The dressing is a simple vinaigrette made with olive oil, orange juice, apple cider vinegar, honey, Dijon mustard and minced shallot, seasoned with salt and pepper.
How Do You Make Mandarin Orange Salad?
Combine mixed greens, drained mandarin oranges, dried cranberries and chopped candied pecans in a large bowl. Whisk the dressing ingredients together in a small bowl until smooth. Drizzle dressing over the salad and toss gently to coat without breaking the orange segments. Finish with crumbled feta and serve right away.
Tips For The Perfect Dish
- Drain canned mandarins well to avoid watering down the salad. Small fresh oranges or clementines also work well.
- Toss the salad very gently so the orange segments stay intact.
- Any greens are fine: mesclun mix, baby spinach or butter lettuce each bring a different texture and flavor.
- If you can’t find candied pecans, use toasted pecans or make your own for added sweetness and crunch.
Quick Tip
Make the dressing ahead and refrigerate it for up to five days. For best flavor, use freshly squeezed orange juice in the dressing.
Recipe FAQs
Mandarin oranges are sweet and slightly tart, so they pair well with greens, fennel, cheeses like feta or blue cheese, dried fruits, nuts (walnuts, pecans or almonds) and vinegars such as balsamic or apple cider.
Mandarins are a small, easy-to-peel type of orange, often sweeter than standard oranges. They’re available fresh or packaged in cans.
Mandarin Orange Salad Flavor Variations
This salad is versatile—add what you have on hand to change the flavor and texture.
- Vegetables: Add avocado, shaved fennel or thinly sliced red onion. Swap greens for arugula for a peppery bite.
- Cheese: Substitute or add blue cheese, goat cheese, or shaved Parmesan.
- Nuts: Try sliced almonds, candied walnuts or pistachios if you’re out of pecans.
- Fruit: Mix in apples, pears, peaches or raspberries. Swap dried cranberries for apricots or cherries.
- Protein: Turn it into a main dish with sliced grilled chicken, cooked bacon, or canned white beans.
- Grains: Make a pasta or grain salad by doubling the dressing and adding cooked farfalle, penne, quinoa or farro.
This recipe is quick to assemble, great for potlucks and popular with both kids and adults.
Love This Recipe?
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More Salad Recipes To Try
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Chopped Salad with Chicken
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Crab Salad Recipe
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Ambrosia Salad
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Pesto Pasta Salad
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Mandarin Orange Salad
Ingredients
For the salad
- 6 cups mixed spring greens
- 11 ounce can mandarin oranges drained
- 1/2 cup dried cranberries
- 1/2 cup candied pecans roughly chopped
- 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 and pepper to taste
Instructions
For the salad
- Place the mixed greens, mandarin oranges, dried cranberries and pecans in a large bowl.
For the dressing
- Whisk all dressing ingredients together in a small bowl until smooth.
- Drizzle about 1/2 cup of dressing over the salad and toss gently to coat; you may have extra dressing.
- Sprinkle the feta over the top and serve immediately.
Notes
- Fresh clementines or small oranges can replace canned mandarins.
- Toss gently to keep orange segments intact.
- Best served immediately for maximum texture and flavor.