Can I make Mandarin Orange Almond Salad ahead of time?

Yes! You can prepare the sugared almonds and dressing up to 2 days in advance. Store the almonds in an airtight container at room temperature and refrigerate the dressing. Assemble the salad just before serving to keep the greens crisp and the almonds crunchy.

What’s the best substitute for mandarin oranges?

If you're out of mandarin oranges, try using canned peaches, pineapple chunks, or fresh orange segments. These alternatives provide a similar sweetness and juiciness that complements the salad’s overall flavor profile.

Is Mandarin Orange Almond Salad vegan or gluten-free?

This salad is naturally gluten-free. To make it vegan, simply swap the honey in the dressing for maple syrup or agave nectar. The rest of the ingredients—romaine, almonds, citrus, and oil-based dressing—are entirely plant-based.

Mandarin Orange Almond Salad – Easy Fresh Salad Recipe

Name: Mandarin Orange Almond Salad
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 5 min
Total time: 25 min
Cuisine: Asian-Inspired
Ingredients: 2 bags (10 oz each) romaine lettuce; 1/3 to 1/2 cup red onion, diced; 1 can (29 oz) mandarin orange segments, drained (reserve 1/2 cup for dressing); 1 cup sliced almonds; 1/4 cup granulated sugar; 1/2 cup avocado oil; 2 tablespoons lemon juice; 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard; 1/2 to 3/4 teaspoon salt; 2 tablespoons honey; 1 teaspoon grated orange peel (or 1 tablespoon if using fresh zest); 1/3 to 1/2 cup reserved mandarin orange segments (from the can)

Description

Mandarin Orange Almond Salad is a fresh, vibrant salad featuring crisp romaine lettuce, juicy mandarin orange segments, sweet sugared almonds, and a tangy homemade citrus dressing. Perfect for lunch, potlucks, or holiday dinners, this gluten-free salad is bursting with flavor and texture.

Ingredients

Scale

2 bags (10 oz each) romaine lettuce
1/3 to 1/2 cup red onion, diced
1 can (29 oz) mandarin orange segments, drained (reserve 1/2 cup for dressing)
1 cup sliced almonds
1/4 cup granulated sugar
1/2 cup avocado oil
2 tablespoons lemon juice
1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
1/2 to 3/4 teaspoon salt
2 tablespoons honey
1 teaspoon grated orange peel (or 1 tablespoon if using fresh zest)
1/3 to 1/2 cup reserved mandarin orange segments (from the can)

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Instructions

In a small saucepan over medium-high heat, melt 1/4 cup sugar.
Stir in sliced almonds until evenly coated.
Spread the glazed almonds on waxed paper and let them cool completely.
In a large salad bowl, layer romaine lettuce, diced red onion, and mandarin orange segments.
Once almonds are cool, break into small clusters and sprinkle over the salad.
In a blender, combine avocado oil, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, salt, honey, orange zest, and reserved mandarin segments.
Blend until emulsified and smooth, about 10 seconds.
Just before serving, drizzle dressing over salad and toss gently.

Notes

Cool the sugared almonds completely to maintain crunch.
Dress the salad only before serving to avoid sogginess.
Maple syrup or agave can replace honey for a vegan version.
Store leftover dressing in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Try adding grilled chicken or tofu for extra protein.

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 5 minutes
Category: Salads and Salad Dressings
Method: No-Cook (except almonds)
Cuisine: Asian-Inspired

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 serving
Calories: 303 kcal
Sugar: 19g
Sodium: 132mg
Fat: 23g
Saturated Fat: 2g
Unsaturated Fat: 19g
Trans Fat: 0.003g
Carbohydrates: 24g
Fiber: 4g
Protein: 5g
Cholesterol: 0mg