Mandarin Orange And Onion Salad
A refreshing citrus and onion salad with nutty poppy seeds, perfect for light lunches or as a side dish, combining sweet mandarin oranges with sharp onions and greens.
Ingredients
- 11 oz. can mandarin oranges, drained ⓘ
- 1 medium red onion, thinly sliced ⓘ
- 2 Tbsp. poppy seed ⓘ
- 2 Tbsp. extra virgin olive oil ⓘ
- 2 Tbsp. red wine vinegar ⓘ
- 1/2 tsp. granulated sugar ⓘ
- white pepper to taste ⓘ
- bibb lettuce, arugula, watercress, or Boston lettuce ⓘ
- 1 medium avocado, peeled and sliced thin (optional) ⓘ
Instructions
- In a large, nonmetallic container with a lid, combine mandarin orange segments, onion slices, and poppy seed.
- In a bowl, whisk together olive oil, red wine vinegar, sugar, salt, and white pepper.
- Pour the oil mixture over the orange mixture.
- Toss to coat oranges and onions. Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours.
- Tear lettuce into bite-sized pieces and add to the mandarin orange mixture.
- Add sliced avocado, if using.
- Toss well and serve immediately.
Tips & Substitutions
For added flavor, consider marinating the mandarin oranges and onions overnight. If you prefer a touch of sweetness, try swapping the granulated sugar for honey or agave syrup. For a crunchier texture, add some toasted nuts like almonds or walnuts. If you want a vegan option, simply omit the optional avocado or replace it with diced tofu for added protein.
Serving Suggestions
This salad pairs beautifully with grilled chicken or fish, making it a perfect light lunch or dinner side. Consider serving it alongside a refreshing beverage like Abigail Adams' Champagne Punch for a special occasion. For a fuller meal, serve with some crusty bread or a light soup to round out the dining experience.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. The salad may become a bit soggy over time due to the dressing, so if you're planning to enjoy it later, consider keeping the lettuce separate until serving. Avoid reheating as this salad is best served cold.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Mandarin Orange And Onion Salad contains roughly 281 calories, with 3g protein, 35g carbohydrates, and 14g fat. It is a good source of dietary fiber (18% of the Daily Value), iron (13% of the Daily Value), and calcium (10% of the Daily Value). It also contributes 5g of dietary fiber toward your daily target.
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 use fresh mandarin oranges instead of canned?
Yes, fresh mandarin oranges can be used instead of canned ones. Just peel and segment them, ensuring you remove any seeds. Fresh oranges will provide a brighter flavor and a firmer texture, making the salad even more delightful.
What types of lettuce work best for this salad?
Bibb lettuce, arugula, watercress, or Boston lettuce are all excellent choices for this salad. Each variety adds a unique flavor and texture, so feel free to mix and match according to your preference or what you have on hand.
How can I make this salad more filling?
To make this salad more filling, consider adding protein like grilled chicken, shrimp, or chickpeas. You can also include quinoa or farro for a heartier base, making it suitable for a complete meal rather than just a side dish.
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).