Berry Mandarin Salad
A vibrant, refreshing berry and mandarin salad with a tangy honey-ginger dressing, perfect for summer gatherings or light, fruity meals that appeal to all ages.
Ingredients
- 1/4 cup sugar ⓘ
- 2 tablespoons cider vinegar
- 2 tablespoons honey ⓘ
- 1 1/4 teaspoons lemon juice ⓘ
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika ⓘ
- 1/2 teaspoon ground mustard ⓘ
- 1/2 teaspoon grated onion ⓘ
- 1/4 teaspoon celery seed ⓘ
- dash salt ⓘ
- 1/3 cup vegetable oil ⓘ
- 8 cups torn mixed salad greens ⓘ
- 2 cups sliced fresh strawberries ⓘ
- 1 (11 oz.) can mandarin oranges, drained ⓘ
- 1 medium red onion, sliced into rings ⓘ
Instructions
- Combine sugar, cider vinegar, honey, lemon juice, paprika, ground mustard, grated onion, celery seed, and salt in a microwave-safe bowl; microwave on high for 1½ to 2 minutes and stir until sugar is dissolved.
- Whisk in vegetable oil, cover, and refrigerate until ready to serve.
- In a salad bowl, combine torn mixed salad greens, sliced fresh strawberries, drained mandarin oranges, and sliced red onion.
- Drizzle the prepared dressing over the salad and toss gently to coat. Serve immediately.
Tips & Substitutions
For a more vibrant flavor, consider adding fresh herbs like mint or basil to the salad. If you prefer a different sweetness, swap honey for agave syrup. You can also use other fruits like blueberries or raspberries for added variety. To keep the greens crisp, dress the salad just before serving and avoid letting it sit too long after being tossed.
Serving Suggestions
This Berry Mandarin Salad pairs beautifully with grilled chicken or fish for a light meal. Serve alongside crusty bread or a refreshing chilled soup for a complete lunch. It also makes a great side dish for picnics or barbecues, complementing flavorful mains like BBQ ribs or vegetarian dishes.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover salad components separately in airtight containers. The dressing can be refrigerated for up to a week, while the salad greens and fruits should be consumed within 2-3 days for optimal freshness. If the salad is dressed, it's best to eat it within a few hours to prevent sogginess.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Berry Mandarin Salad contains roughly 132 calories, with 1g protein, 26g carbohydrates, and 1g fat. It is a good source of vitamin A (17% of the Daily Value) and iron (10% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 605mg per serving (26% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this salad ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the dressing in advance and store it in the refrigerator. However, it's best to mix the salad greens and fruits just before serving to maintain their freshness and texture.
What can I use instead of mandarin oranges?
If you don't have mandarin oranges, you can substitute with canned peaches or fresh orange segments. Both options will add a sweet, juicy element to the salad.
Is this salad suitable for vegan diets?
Yes, this Berry Mandarin Salad is suitable for vegan diets as it contains no animal products. Just ensure the honey is replaced with a vegan sweetener, such as agave syrup, to keep it entirely plant-based.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).