Broccoli Mandarin Orange Salad
A vibrant and crunchy broccoli salad featuring sweet mandarin oranges, crispy bacon, toasted almonds, and a tangy dressing, perfect for casual gatherings and potlucks.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Cook the bacon until crispy, then crumble and set aside.
- In a large bowl, combine the mayonnaise, sweet and sour dressing, and sliced red onion.
- Add the broccoli, mandarin oranges, golden raisins, sliced mushrooms, crumbled bacon, and toasted slivered almonds to the bowl.
- Toss everything gently to coat evenly with the dressing.
- Serve chilled.
Tips & Substitutions
For a lighter version of this salad, consider substituting Greek yogurt for mayonnaise. If you're looking to add a crunch, try using pecans or walnuts in place of slivered almonds. To save time, pre-cooked bacon or turkey bacon can be used instead of frying fresh bacon. Fresh broccoli can also be replaced with steamed broccoli for a softer texture.
Serving Suggestions
This Broccoli Mandarin Orange Salad is great as a side dish for grilled meats or as a light lunch option. It pairs beautifully with Filipino Barbecue or can be served alongside a hearty main like Boneless Pork Roast. Consider adding some grilled chicken on top for a complete meal.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The salad may become a bit soggy over time, so it's best to add the dressing just before serving. If you want to reheat it, gently warm in the microwave, but note that broccoli is best enjoyed cold.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Broccoli Mandarin Orange Salad contains roughly 160 calories, with 4g protein, 15g carbohydrates, and 10g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin D (52% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin C.
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 most of the ingredients a day in advance. However, it's best to combine the dressing with the salad ingredients just before serving to maintain the freshness and crunchiness of the broccoli and almonds.
What can I use instead of bacon?
If you prefer a vegetarian option, you can omit the bacon entirely or use smoked tempeh or coconut bacon for a similar flavor profile. This will still provide a nice smokiness without the meat.
Are there any good add-ins for this salad?
Absolutely! Consider adding diced apples for sweetness, or even some shredded carrots for extra color and crunch. You could also incorporate some feta cheese for a savory touch that complements the sweetness of the mandarin oranges.
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).