Mandarin Orange Salad

Mandarin Orange Salad with sugared almonds is the perfect sweet and savory side dish! Versatile enough to accompany stir fry or pork tenderloin, this mandarin orange recipe will quickly become your go to salad recipe.

Skip to My Lou has the yummiest no-bake and gluten-free recipes! Try this no-bake Cool Whip Dessert. Or there’s a most interesting gluten-free Spaghetti Cottage Cheese recipe to go along with this family approved Mandarin Orange Salad!

PIN this Mandarin salad recipe on your board so you can make it again and again. Your family and friends will be so happy!

WATCH VIDEO AND LEARN HOW TO MAKE Mandarin Orange Salad

Can’t wait to make this Mandarin Orange Salad recipe as a side dish? All of these easy to find ingredients are available at your local grocery store.

Mandarin Orange Salad INGREDIENTS

Gather these:

• 1/4 cup olive oil
• 2 T red wine vinegar
• 2 T sugar
• 1/2 tsp salt (I use Kosher)
• a dash of Tabasco pepper sauce
• 1 T chopped fresh parsley
• 3 T sugar for candied almonds
• 1/2 cup slivered almonds
• 1 regular can mandarin oranges

SUBSTITUTIONS and ADDITIONS

To give this delicious salad a healthy dose of iron, substitute fresh baby spinach leaves for all or part of the lettuce. Now you’ve made a Spinach Salad with Mandarin Oranges!

Substitute sriracha sauce for Tabasco if you prefer.

Add chopped green onions as a garnish on top for an extra crunch and burst of flavor.

You could also add drained crushed pineapple instead of or along with the mandarin oranges for a tropical sweet note.

HOW TO MAKE Mandarin Orange Salad

1. Mix the first 6 ingredients in a small bowl or jar. I think it is best to make this dressing ahead of time to allow the flavors to come together and allow the sugar to fully dissolve. Shake well before dressing the lettuce.
2. Gather items to make candied almonds. In a dry skillet place 3 T sugar and heat over medium heat. As soon as you see any of the sugar melting add in 1/2 cup slivered almonds. The sugar will turn to syrup and coat the almonds. As soon as you see the slightest color change on the almonds– remove from heat. The almonds will continue cooking and it is very easy to burn them. Sometimes when I make these I get more of a crystallized looking coating. It doesn’t matter—it is all good!
3. In a large bowl, toss lettuce (mixed greens) with dressing, a regular sized can of drained mandarin oranges and the candied almonds. Serve immediately after dressing the salad.
4. This beautiful salad can be served family style from the large bowl or served in bowls depending on your menu! I’m making this tonight and my family is excited!

Serving and Storage

To fully develop the flavors in the dressing, make it as far ahead as possible and refrigerate. To prevent the salad greens and sugared almonds from getting soggy, toss with dressing right before serving or allow each person to dress and toss their own salad!

MORE RECIPES TO TRY

While you’re at it, try these yummy recipes.

• Chocolate Bowls
• Hawaiian Chicken Pressure Cooker Recipe
• Dessert Recipe
• Holiday Cookies Jar Recipe for Gift Giving
• Healthy Broccoli Salad

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