Mandarin Orange Salad with Walnuts, Cranberries, and Parmesan Recipe
Introduction
This refreshing Mandarin Orange Salad combines tender greens with sweet citrus and crunchy walnuts for a perfect balance of flavors and textures. It’s easy to prepare and dressed with a bright, tangy poppy seed vinaigrette that brings it all together.
Ingredients
- 3 cups baby spinach
- 3 cups arugula
- 1 (11-oz.) can mandarin oranges, drained
- 1 cup toasted walnuts
- 3/4 cup dried cranberries
- 1/2 cup shaved Parmesan
- Pinch of flaky sea salt
- 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
- 1 tablespoon orange juice
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 2 teaspoons poppy seeds
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil
- Kosher salt, to taste
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Step 1: In a large bowl, toss together the baby spinach, arugula, mandarin oranges, toasted walnuts, and dried cranberries until well combined.
- Step 2: In a medium bowl, whisk together the red wine vinegar, orange juice, honey, poppy seeds, and Dijon mustard. Slowly drizzle in the olive oil while whisking continuously until the dressing is fully emulsified. Season with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.
- Step 3: Pour the dressing over the salad and toss gently to coat all the ingredients evenly. Sprinkle the shaved Parmesan over the top along with a pinch of flaky sea salt before serving.
Tips & Variations
- For extra crunch, substitute toasted walnuts with pecans or almonds.
- Add grilled chicken or shrimp to make this salad a more substantial meal.
- Use fresh orange segments instead of canned mandarins for a brighter citrus flavor.
- Make the dressing ahead and refrigerate; whisk before using to recombine.
Storage
Store any leftover salad and dressing separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Toss the salad with dressing just before serving to keep the greens fresh and crisp. Reheat is not recommended.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of greens?
Yes, you can substitute spinach and arugula with mixed greens, kale, or romaine depending on your preference.
How do I prevent the salad from becoming soggy?
Keep the dressing separate until just before serving and drain the mandarin oranges well to reduce excess moisture.
PrintMandarin Orange Salad with Walnuts, Cranberries, and Parmesan Recipe
A fresh and vibrant Mandarin Orange Salad featuring a mix of baby spinach and arugula, complemented by sweet mandarin oranges, crunchy toasted walnuts, and dried cranberries. Tossed in a zesty homemade poppy seed vinaigrette and topped with shaved Parmesan, this salad is perfect for a light lunch or a flavorful side dish.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Salad
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
Salad Ingredients
- 3 cups baby spinach
- 3 cups arugula
- 1 (11-oz.) can mandarin oranges, drained
- 1 cup toasted walnuts
- 3/4 cup dried cranberries
- 1/2 cup shaved Parmesan
- Pinch of flaky sea salt
Dressing Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
- 1 tablespoon orange juice
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 2 teaspoons poppy seeds
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil
- Kosher salt, to taste
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the Salad: In a large bowl, combine the baby spinach, arugula, drained mandarin oranges, toasted walnuts, and dried cranberries. Gently toss to mix all ingredients evenly.
- Make the Dressing: In a medium bowl, whisk together the red wine vinegar, orange juice, honey, poppy seeds, and Dijon mustard until well blended. Gradually drizzle in the extra-virgin olive oil while continuing to whisk until the dressing emulsifies. Season with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.
- Toss and Serve: Pour the prepared dressing over the salad and toss gently to ensure everything is evenly coated. Sprinkle the shaved Parmesan on top and finish with a pinch of flaky sea salt for added texture and flavor. Serve immediately.
Notes
- For extra crunch, toast the walnuts lightly before adding them to the salad.
- Adjust honey in the dressing to control sweetness according to your preference.
- You can substitute arugula with baby kale or mixed greens for variation.
- Serve this salad chilled or at room temperature for the best flavors.
Keywords: mandarin orange salad, spinach salad, arugula salad, poppy seed dressing, walnut salad, healthy salad, vegetarian salad, easy salad recipe
