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Mandarin Orange Salad with Citrus Dressing and Pecan Toppings Recipe

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4.1 from 71 reviews

A refreshing Mandarin Orange Salad featuring mixed greens, juicy mandarin oranges, creamy avocado, tangy feta, and crunchy candied pecans, all tossed in a vibrant homemade orange dressing with honey, Dijon mustard, and fresh herbs. Perfect as a light lunch or elegant side dish.

Ingredients

For the Orange Dressing

  • ¼ cup freshly squeezed orange juice or mandarin juice
  • ½-1 teaspoon orange zest
  • ¼ cup olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
  • 2 teaspoons honey
  • 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar or red wine vinegar
  • ½ teaspoon salt, more to taste
  • ¼ teaspoon black pepper, more to taste
  • 1 small clove garlic, minced or grated
  • ½ teaspoon dried thyme or fresh thyme

For the Salad

  • 6 cups mixed greens
  • ½ cup candied pecans or lightly toasted pecans
  • 4-6 mandarin oranges, peeled and separated into sections (or 2 cans mandarin oranges, drained)
  • 2 small avocados, peeled, pitted, and diced
  • ½ cup pomegranate seeds or dried cranberries
  • ½ cup crumbled feta cheese
  • ¼ cup sliced shallots or red onion

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Orange Dressing: In a small bowl, combine freshly squeezed orange juice, orange zest, olive oil, Dijon mustard, honey, vinegar of choice (apple cider or red wine), salt, black pepper, garlic, and thyme. Whisk thoroughly until all ingredients are emulsified and smooth. Adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper if needed.
  2. Prepare the Salad Ingredients: Rinse and dry the mixed greens thoroughly. Peel and segment the mandarin oranges or drain canned mandarins. Peel, pit, and dice the avocados. Slice the shallots or red onion thinly. If using candied pecans, ensure they are ready; otherwise, lightly toast pecans in a dry skillet over medium heat until fragrant and golden.
  3. Assemble the Salad: In a large salad bowl, combine the mixed greens, mandarin orange segments, diced avocado, pomegranate seeds or dried cranberries, crumbled feta, sliced shallots, and pecans.
  4. Toss with Dressing: Drizzle the prepared orange dressing over the salad ingredients. Gently toss with salad tongs or clean hands until everything is evenly coated without mashing the avocados.
  5. Serve Immediately: Transfer the salad to individual plates or serve family-style. Enjoy fresh as a light meal or side dish for lunch or dinner.

Notes

  • For best flavor, use fresh mandarin oranges when in season; canned mandarins are a convenient alternative.
  • To make candied pecans at home, sauté pecans in butter and brown sugar until caramelized.
  • Adjust the sweetness of the dressing by adding more or less honey according to taste.
  • This salad is best served immediately to prevent avocado browning and sogginess of greens.
  • For a vegan version, omit the feta cheese or substitute with a plant-based cheese alternative.

Find it online: https://justsosavory.com/mandarin-orange-salad-with-citrus-dressing-and-pecan-toppings-recipe/