Mandarin Orange Salad

WANT TO SAVE THIS RECIPE?

Bright, refreshing, and bursting with flavor, this Mandarin Orange Salad combines juicy citrus, crisp red onion, and fresh herbs in a light, tangy ginger-honey dressing. It’s the perfect balance of sweet, savory, and zesty—ideal as a summer side dish, light lunch, or vibrant starter for any meal.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• No cooking required—just chop, whisk, and toss!

• Naturally gluten-free and dairy-free

• Versatile—works as a side dish or a standalone light meal

Ingredients Breakdown

Salad Ingredients:

• 1 cup (140g) fresh mandarin orange segments – Juicy and sweet, they add brightness and natural sweetness to the salad.

• ½ cup (70g) red onion, thinly sliced – Brings a crisp texture and a sharp, savory contrast to the sweetness of the oranges.

• ¼ cup (30g) fresh cilantro, chopped – Adds a burst of fresh, herbal flavor that ties the citrus and onion together.

For the Dressing:

• ¼ cup (60ml) olive oil – Forms the base of the vinaigrette, adding richness and smooth mouthfeel.

• 2 tablespoons (30ml) rice vinegar – Provides acidity and lightness to balance the sweetness.

• 1 tablespoon (15ml) honey – Naturally sweetens the dressing and complements the mandarin flavor.

• ½ teaspoon (2.5ml) grated ginger – Infuses the dressing with warmth and a subtle spicy zing.

• Salt and freshly ground black pepper – Enhances all the flavors and adds balance to the dressing.

Tips and Tricks

• Use seedless mandarins or canned mandarin segments (in juice, not syrup) if fresh ones aren’t available.

• Soak onions in cold water for 5 minutes to reduce sharpness before adding to the salad.

• Add crunch with a sprinkle of chopped almonds, cashews, or sunflower seeds.

• Chill before serving for a refreshing bite, especially in summer.

Variations and Customizations

• Make it a meal: Add grilled shrimp, chicken, or tofu for protein.

• Extra sweetness: Toss in sliced strawberries or pomegranate seeds.

• Add greens: Serve over a bed of arugula, spinach, or mixed spring greens.

• Vegan version: Substitute honey with maple syrup or agave nectar.

Pairing Suggestions

This bright citrus salad pairs perfectly with:

• Grilled salmon or chicken

• Asian-inspired dishes like sesame noodles or miso-glazed vegetables

• Light soups such as carrot ginger or coconut curry

Storage Instructions

• Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 2 days.

• Avoid sogginess: For best results, store the dressing separately and toss just before serving.

Popular Questions

Can I make this salad ahead of time?

Yes, but store the dressing separately to keep the oranges and cilantro fresh until ready to serve.

Can I use bottled mandarin orange segments?

Absolutely—just drain them well and choose versions packed in juice, not syrup.

Is this salad suitable for a vegan diet?

Yes, simply swap the honey for maple syrup or another plant-based sweetener.

Mandarin Orange Salad

---

• Author: easysweetmeal
• Total Time: 10 minutes
• Yield: 2–4 servings

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

Mandarin Orange Salad – A refreshing mix of juicy mandarins, red onion, and cilantro, tossed in a zesty ginger-honey vinaigrette. Bright, flavorful, and perfect as a light side or healthy lunch

---

Ingredients

• 1 cup (140g) fresh mandarin orange segments

• ½ cup (70g) red onion, thinly sliced

• ¼ cup (30g) fresh cilantro, chopped

• ¼ cup (60ml) olive oil

• 2 tablespoons (30ml) rice vinegar

• 1 tablespoon (15ml) honey

• ½ teaspoon (2.5ml) freshly grated ginger

• Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

---

Instructions

1. Prepare the Salad Base

• In a medium mixing bowl, gently combine:

  • Mandarin orange segments

  • Thinly sliced red onion

  • Chopped fresh cilantro

2. Make the Ginger-Honey Vinaigrette

• In a separate small bowl or jar, whisk together:

  • Olive oil

  • Rice vinegar

  • Honey

  • Grated fresh ginger

• Season with salt and pepper to taste.

3. Toss and Serve

• Drizzle the vinaigrette over the salad.

• Toss gently to coat all ingredients evenly without breaking the orange segments.

• Serve immediately or chill for 15–20 minutes for enhanced flavor.

Notes

• Fresh citrus pairs beautifully with bold herbs—don’t skip the cilantro!

• Adjust the vinegar-to-honey ratio based on your preferred sweetness.

• This recipe is naturally gluten-free, dairy-free, and heart-healthy—great for wellness-focused content.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Category: Appetizer
• Method: No-Cook
• Cuisine: Fusion

WANT TO SAVE THIS RECIPE?