One Pot Recipes

Mandarin Orange Salad (One Bowl)

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Quick and easy Mandarin orange salad recipe, homemade with simple ingredients in one pot in 10 minutes. Full of orange dressing, spinach, arugula, dried cranberries, poppy seeds.

This is such a refreshing Summer salad! The bright, juicy, oranges bursting with color and flavor make it a striking addition to any table. If salads are high on your list of loves, then try this Best Summer Salad (One Bowl) or this Easy Pear Salad (One Bowl) this season as well.

Easy Mandarin Orange Salad in Glass Bowl on White Background

How To Make Mandarin Orange Salad Recipe From Scratch?

  1. Make dressing– Whisk together orange juice concentrate, oil, zest, lemon juice, vinegar, honey, poppy seeds, salt, pepper.
  2. Toss remaining ingredients– This includes spring greens, oranges, cranberries.
  3. Enjoy– Serve immediately.

What To Serve With Classic Mandarin Salad?

When I think Summer salad, I think of cookouts and picnics which leads me to think of grilling. This salad is the perfect accompaniment to anythingĀ grilled!Ā Grilled Chicken Breast (One Pan), grilled pork chops, steak, fish, burgers, brats, hot dogs, or sausages are all delicious choices.

It also pairs well withĀ meatsĀ such asĀ Instant Pot Shredded BeefĀ ,Ā Chinese Jalapeno Chicken (One Pot), Instant Pot Whole Chicken.

Keep itĀ vegetarianĀ by serving it withĀ Vegetarian Quesadillas (One Pan),Ā Instant Pot Vegetable PastaĀ orĀ Creamy Avocado Pasta (One Pot).

Sandwiches are a great pairing as well. Serve this salad with Instant Pot French Dip Sandwich or Instant Pot Sloppy Joes, Mediterranean Veggie Sandwich (One Pan), or Ham and Cheese Sliders (One Pan).

Mandarin Orange Salad Dressing (Citrus Poppy Seed Dressing)

Whisk together the following ingredients. Store them in an airtight jar or container in the fridge for up to 1 week, or use immediately.

  • 1/4Ā cupĀ Frozen orange juice concentrate,Ā Can replace with fresh orange juice but the flavor of frozen concentrate is much stronger
  • 1/4Ā cupĀ Olive oil
  • 1Ā tspĀ Orange zest
  • 1Ā tbspĀ Lemon juice,Ā Preferably freshly squeezed
  • 1Ā tbspĀ Apple cider vinegar
  • 2Ā tbspĀ Honey
  • 1Ā tspĀ Poppy seeds
  • Salt,Ā To taste
  • Pepper,Ā To taste
Tongs Full of Classic Arugula Spinach Orange Salad With Orange Dressing and Cranberries in Glass Bowl

Variations For Spinach Orange Salad

Mandarin chicken salad– Add leftover or rotisserie chicken to this salad for a heartier version. Try this Instant Pot Shredded Chicken or Instant Pot Whole Chicken (Rotisserie Chicken).

Try other greens– Such as kale, butter lettuce, or a combination of many other greens.

Add nuts– Such as pine nuts, cashews, pecans, almonds, or walnuts. Make sure that they are toasted or even candied for better flavor.

Try other dried fruits– Such as dried cherries, raisins, blueberries, apricots, or mango.

Add grapes– For additional sweetness.

Add grapefruit– The tart flavor will balance the sweet oranges beautifully.

Add cheese toppings– Such as gorgonzola, goat, or fresh parmesan cheese.

Add bacon– For a salty, smoky contrast to the sweet fruit.

Add other veggies– Like finely diced celery, cucumber, or even onions.

Add other zests– Such as lemon, lime, or grapefruit.

Tips And Techniques

Fresh mandarin oranges vs. Canned mandarin oranges- Either can be used for this recipe. Canned is convenient and readily available.

Poppy seeds can be omitted– If you are not fond of them, just leave them out.

Drain the canned mandarin oranges– So that the salad does not become a soggy mess.

Use high quality olive oil– This makes all the difference in the flavor of the dressing!

Fresh orange juice vs. Orange juice concentrate– I recommend using the concentrate because it has a much stronger flavor, but either can be used.

Use fresh lemon juice– The fresh flavor can not be matched! Use fresh lemon juice if possible.

Serve immediatelyā€“ Once the dressing has been mixed into the salad, it must be served immediately for best texture.

Adjust sweetnessā€“ Add more or less honey based on your personal preference.

Honey substituteā€“ You can use maple syrup, agave syrup, molasses. Please note that the sweetener choice will alter the overall flavor of the dressing.

Closeup Shot of Tongs Full of Mandarin Salad

Storage

Refrigerate– This salad tastes best when served immediately. Leftovers cannot be stored for later because the salad will become soggy. However, you can store the salad and dressing separately for 2 days in the fridge and mix right before serving.

Freeze– Salad can not be frozen due to the high water content. It will become wilted and soggy. You can freeze the salad dressing in a freezer safe container for up to 2 months, if you like. Then just thaw to room temperature to serve.

More Recipes For Salad With Fruit

Easy Mandarin Orange Salad in Glass Bowl on White Background
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One Pot Mandarin Orange Salad

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 10 minutes
Quick and easy Mandarin orange salad recipe, homemade with simple ingredients in one pot in 10 minutes. Full of orange dressing, spinach, arugula, dried cranberries, poppy seeds.
Yield: 6 People

Ingredients

Orange Dressing

Salad

  • 6 cups Spring greensĀ , Combination of spinach, lettuce, arugula
  • 1 can Mandarin oranges , 11 oz. can, Drained
  • 1/3 cup Dried cranberries, Trader Joes's orange flavored dried cranberries are amazing in this salad

Instructions 

  • In a large salad bowl, make the dressing by whisking together orange juice concentrate, oil, zest, lemon juice, vinegar, honey, poppy seeds, salt, pepper until smooth.
  • Add the spring greens, oranges, cranberries and toss until combined.
  • Serve immediately and enjoy.

Notes

  • Read all my tips above.
  • Tastes best when served immediately. Leftovers cannot be stored for later because the salad will become soggy. However, you can store the salad and dressing separately for 2 days in the fridge and mix right before serving.

Nutrition

Calories: 76kcal, Carbohydrates: 17g, Protein: 1g, Fat: 1g, Saturated Fat: 1g, Sodium: 89mg, Potassium: 86mg, Fiber: 1g, Sugar: 15g, Vitamin A: 306IU, Vitamin C: 13mg, Calcium: 27mg, Iron: 1mg
Course: Salad
Cuisine: American
Calories: 76
Author: Abeer Rizvi

One comment on “Mandarin Orange Salad (One Bowl)”

  1. This is such a tasty simple recipe. I really appreciate the different preparation suggestions! When I make this I use bits of goat cheese and pumpkin seeds. Thanks for the amazing recipe!

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