The Story Behind the Salad
Mandarin orange salad has roots in Asian-American cuisine, combining traditional salad ingredients with popular flavors from East Asian kitchens. While not authentically Asian in origin, it draws inspiration from the sweet-savory balance often found in Chinese and Japanese dishes. Over time, this salad became a potluck favorite — beloved for its simplicity, bright flavor, and easy customization.
Many home cooks treasure this recipe as a go-to dish during the spring and summer months. It’s often brought to Easter brunch, graduation parties, and church gatherings. Some families even include it in their Christmas spread, as its colors and flavors complement heavier holiday fare.
Ingredients
For the Salad:
- 1 head romaine lettuce, chopped
- 1 cup red cabbage, shredded
- 1/2 cup carrots, julienned or shredded
- 1/3 cup sliced green onions
- 1 (11 oz) can mandarin oranges, drained
- 1/2 cup sliced almonds (toasted for extra flavor)
- 1/2 cup crispy chow mein noodles or wonton strips
For the Dressing:
- 1/4 cup vegetable or canola oil
- 2 tbsp rice vinegar
- 1 tbsp sugar or honey
- 1 tbsp soy sauce
- 1/2 tsp sesame oil (optional)
- Salt & pepper to taste
This ingredient list is highly flexible. You can substitute the romaine for spinach, butter lettuce, or even a spring mix. The dressing can be adjusted for sweetness or saltiness, depending on your taste. And don’t skip the sesame oil — it adds a rich depth that pulls the dressing together.
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Dressing
- In a small bowl or jar, whisk together the oil, rice vinegar, sugar (or honey), soy sauce, sesame oil, and a generous pinch of salt and pepper.
- Shake or stir well until fully combined. Let sit for 10 minutes to let the flavors meld.
- Taste and adjust seasonings — you can add more honey for sweetness or vinegar for tang.
Step 2: Toast the Almonds (Optional but Recommended)
- In a dry skillet over medium heat, toast the sliced almonds until they’re golden brown and fragrant (about 3–5 minutes). Stir constantly to avoid burning.
- Let cool completely before adding to the salad.
Step 3: Assemble the Salad
- In a large salad bowl, layer in the romaine, red cabbage, carrots, and green onions.
- Gently fold in the mandarin orange segments, being careful not to break them.
- Just before serving, add the toasted almonds and crispy chow mein noodles or wonton strips.
- Drizzle with the prepared dressing and toss gently to coat everything evenly.
Step 4: Serve
This salad is best served immediately after tossing to preserve the crisp textures. If preparing ahead of time, keep the dressing and crunchy toppings separate until just before serving.
Tips for Success
- Make ahead: Prepare all the components separately and assemble right before serving to avoid sogginess.
- Toast your nuts: Toasting the almonds enhances their flavor and crunch.
- Keep oranges cold: Chilled mandarin segments keep the salad refreshing.
- Use high-quality vinegar: It makes a noticeable difference in the dressing’s flavor.
Flavor Pairings
This salad pairs beautifully with:
- Grilled chicken, shrimp, or tofu
- Teriyaki-glazed salmon
- Sweet chili or sesame-glazed wings
- Rice noodle dishes
- Light sparkling wines or citrus-forward mocktails
Variations
- Add protein: Add grilled chicken, rotisserie chicken, or shrimp for a fuller meal.
- Change the crunch: Try sunflower seeds, cashews, or candied pecans in place of almonds.
- Add creamy elements: Crumbled feta or goat cheese balances the sweetness with tang.
- Include more fruits: Add strawberries or pomegranate seeds for a fruity burst.
- Spice it up: Add a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes to the dressing.
Storage & Leftovers
- Refrigerate undressed salad in a sealed container for up to 2 days.
- Keep dressing in a separate jar for up to 5 days.
- Crunchy toppings should be stored separately in a sealed bag or container to maintain crispness.
If you end up with leftovers after dressing the salad, eat them within a few hours for the best texture. The cabbage and romaine hold up better than more delicate greens, but they still lose crispness once tossed.
Nutrition (Per Serving – Approx. 6 servings)
- Calories: 220
- Fat: 14g
- Carbohydrates: 19g
- Fiber: 3g
- Sugar: 9g
- Protein: 4g
These values can vary depending on ingredient brands and substitutions. For a lighter version, reduce the amount of oil in the dressing or omit the crispy noodles.
Fun Fact
Mandarin oranges are actually a type of tangerine and are known for their easy-to-peel skin and sweet, juicy interior. In many cultures, they symbolize prosperity and good luck, especially during New Year celebrations.
Conclusion
This Mandarin Orange Salad is more than just a side — it’s a colorful, textural experience bursting with flavor. With just a handful of ingredients and a quick homemade dressing, you can put together a dish that feels special enough for entertaining but easy enough for everyday meals. Whether you enjoy it as a light lunch, a starter for dinner, or a standout potluck dish, this salad brings freshness, crunch, and citrusy zing to every bite.
