Cranberry Mandarin Orange Salad with Poppy Seed Dressing
This Cranberry Mandarin Orange Salad is a nutritious delight featuring mixed greens, tangy mandarin oranges, cranberries, and crunchy almonds. Drizzle it with my refreshing Orange Poppy Seed Dressing for a perfect balance of sweet and tangy. Easy to make, impossible not to love!
NOTE: This post contains some links to Amazon, which means that I make a small commission off items you purchase from Amazon at no additional cost to you. I appreciate your support!
This Cranberry Mandarin Orange Salad is a nutritious delight featuring mixed greens, tangy mandarin oranges, cranberries, and crunchy almonds. Drizzle it with my refreshing Orange Poppy Seed Dressing for a perfect balance of sweet and tangy. Easy to make, impossible not to love!
Indulge in the ultimate healthy delight with our Cranberry Mandarin Orange Salad! Bursting with vibrant flavors and a zesty Orange Poppy Seed Dressing.
What makes this salad healthy?
This mandarin orange salad is a powerhouse of nutrition. Packed with mixed greens, mandarin oranges, dried cranberries, and toasted almonds, it’s a symphony of flavors and nutrients. The greens provide a boost of vitamins, while the oranges bring a dose of antioxidants. Cranberries are like little health warriors, and almonds add a delightful crunch along with healthy fats.
Why you’ll love this recipe
Besides the fact that it’s a rainbow on your plate, the Orange Poppy Seed Dressing is the game-changer. Tangy red wine vinegar, freshly squeezed orange juice, a drizzle of honey, and the pop of poppy seeds make for a dressing that’s as refreshing as it sounds. The balance of sweet and tangy is pure magic, tying the whole salad together.
RELATED: Mandarin Chicken Pasta Salad – Packed with protein-rich chicken, as well as flavorful mandarin oranges, vegetables and a tasty dressing, this salad is an easy way to nourish your body.
Ingredients you’ll need for this salad
For the salad
- 1 (5 ounce) package mixed greens
- 1 (11 ounce) can mandarin oranges, drained
- ½ cup dried cranberries
For the dressing
- 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
- 1 tablespoon freshly squeezed orange juice
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 2 teaspoons poppyseeds
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
Optional Garnish
- ¼ cup toasted sliced almonds
- ¼ cup fried wonton strips (optional)
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
Salad making essentials
ALLIGATOR CHOPPER
Cheese grater
SALAD SPINNER
LEMON SQUEEZER
ELEGANT SALAD BOWL
MASON JARS
How to make this Mandarin Orange Salad Recipe
This healthy vegan salad comes together in four easy steps!
- Layer the salad ingredients into your serving bowls, excluding the wonton strips and almonds.
- Whisk or shake together the dressing ingredients in a small bowl or jar with a lid.
- Just before serving, pour the dressing over the salad and give it a good toss.
- Top it off with those crispy wonton strips and almonds and get ready to impress your taste buds!
Make this Mandarin Orange Salad, then check out my Vegan Winter Kale and Quinoa Salad with Avocado Dressing and more of my vegan salad recipes.
TIPS AND FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Read on for tips and substitution ideas on how to make this recipe, such as how to customize this salad, and how to store this salad.
u003cstrong style=u0022color: var(u002du002dglobal-palette3);u0022u003eCan I use a creamy poppyseed dressing instead?u003c/strongu003e
u003cpu003eAbsolutely! This salad is versatile; feel free to switch things up.u003c/pu003e
u003cstrongu003eCan I prepare this mandarin Pasta salad ahead of time?u003c/strongu003e
Yes, indeed! Just hold off on adding the almonds and wonton strips until you’re ready to serve as they’ll get soggy if they’re added too soon.
u003cstrongu003eWhat if I can’t find mandarin oranges?u003c/strongu003e
Tangerines or clementines are excellent substitutes. Get creative with the citrus!
u003cstrongu003eAny ideas for crunchy alternatives to wonton strips?u003c/strongu003e
Try croutons, pumpkin seeds, or even u003ca href=u0022https://www.salads4lunch.com/recipes/crunchy-roasted-chickpea-croutons/u0022 data-type=u0022postu0022 data-id=u002237150u0022u003ecrispy chickpea croutonsu003c/au003e for that satisfying crunch.
How do I store leftover Mandarin Orange Salad?
f you somehow manage to have leftovers (kudos to your self-control), store them in an airtight container in the fridge. Just remember to add the almonds and wonton strips right before you dig in for round two.
So there you have it, a salad that’s not just a meal but a celebration of flavors and nutrition. Tag me in your creations, and let’s spread the salad love!
🌷 CELEBRATE SPRING with
20+ Easy Spring Salad Recipes
Spring has sprung, and do you know what that means? It’s time to lighten things up with these spring salad ideas that your whole family will love!
Other Winter Salad recipes to try
- Cranberry Pecan Chicken Salad
- Blueberry, Apple, Cranberry and Kale Salad with Creamy Balsamic Vinaigrette
- Healthy Broccoli Cranberry Salad with Greek Yogurt Dressing
Cranberry and Mandarin Orange Salad with Orange Poppy Seed Dressing Recipe
Ingredients
For the Mandarin Salad
- 1 5 ounce package mixed greens
- 1 11 ounce can mandarin oranges, drained
- ½ cup dried cranberries
- ¼ cup toasted sliced almonds
- ¼ cup fried wonton strips (optional)
For the Orange Poppy Seed Dressing
- 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
- 1 tablespoon freshly squeezed orange juice
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 2 teaspoons poppyseeds
- Salt and black pepper (to taste)
Instructions
- Layer the ingredients for the salad into serving bowls except for the wonton strips and sliced almonds.
- In a small bowl or jar with a lid, whisk or shake together the ingredients for the dressing.
- Prior to serving, pour the dressing over the salad and toss.
- Top with the wonton strips and sliced almonds and serve.
Notes
Nutrition
Disclosure
Recipes and photos are for your personal enjoyment only — please share the love by linking, not copying!Hey friend! What can I help you find?
Search my entire site!
