The Art of Ultimate Fresh Mandarin Orange Salad Perfection

Perfect Citrus Segmentation Mastery

Master the technique of cleanly segmenting citrus fruits for beautiful presentation and taste.

Candied Nut Excellence

Learn the skill of creating perfectly caramelized nuts with ideal sweetness and crunch.

Dressing Emulsion Perfection

Perfect the method of creating smooth, creamy poppy seed dressing with ideal consistency.

Green Preparation Technique

Master the art of washing, drying, and preparing mixed greens for optimal freshness.

Assembly Balance Strategy

Learn optimal layering techniques for distributing flavors and textures harmoniously throughout.

Fresh Citrus Salad Mastery Secrets for Perfect Mandarin and Greens Combination

Citrus Preparation: Remove all white pith from oranges to prevent bitter taste.

Pecan Timing: Cool candied pecans completely or they'll wilt the greens.

Dressing Balance: Adjust honey and vinegar ratio to achieve perfect sweet-tangy balance.

Green Selection: Use variety of greens for complex texture and flavor depth.

Assembly Order: Add delicate ingredients last to prevent crushing and wilting.

Serving Freshness: Dress salad just before serving to maintain crisp texture.

Fresh Mandarin Orange Salad with Candied Pecans and Poppy Seed Dressing

Name: Fresh Mandarin Orange Salad with Candied Pecans and Poppy Seed Dressing
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 25 min
Yield: 6 servings
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: For the Citrus Foundation:; 6 fresh mandarin oranges, peeled and segmented; 2 cups fresh orange segments (if mandarins unavailable); 1 tablespoon orange zest; For the Salad Base:; 8 cups mixed spring greens; 4 cups baby spinach leaves; 2 cups arugula leaves; 1 cup red leaf lettuce, torn; For the Candied Pecans:; 1 cup pecan halves; 3 tablespoons brown sugar; 2 tablespoons butter; 1/4 teaspoon salt; 1/8 teaspoon cayenne pepper; For the Poppy Seed Dressing:; 1/3 cup mayonnaise; 1/4 cup honey; 3 tablespoons apple cider vinegar; 2 tablespoons fresh orange juice; 1 tablespoon poppy seeds; 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard; For the Cheese Addition:; 4 oz goat cheese, crumbled; 1/2 cup feta cheese, crumbled (optional); For the Vegetable Crunch:; 1 red onion, thinly sliced; 1 cucumber, thinly sliced; 1 avocado, sliced; For the Fresh Components:

The ultimate mandarin orange salad featuring sweet juicy mandarin segments, crisp mixed greens, and crunchy candied pecans drizzled with a creamy poppy seed dressing. This refreshing salad masterpiece combines the bright citrus sweetness of fresh mandarins with the satisfying crunch of candied nuts, creating an unforgettable salad experience that elevates the classic fruit salad to extraordinary heights perfect for brunch, lunch, or any time you crave the perfect balance of sweet, tangy, and fresh flavors.

Prep Time

15 Minutes

Cook Time

10 Minutes

Total Time

25 Minutes

Chef

JUE

Ingredients

Custard Cream

For the Citrus Foundation:

6 fresh mandarin oranges, peeled and segmented

2 cups fresh orange segments (if mandarins unavailable)

1 tablespoon orange zest

For the Salad Base:

8 cups mixed spring greens

4 cups baby spinach leaves

2 cups arugula leaves

1 cup red leaf lettuce, torn

For the Candied Pecans:

1 cup pecan halves

3 tablespoons brown sugar

2 tablespoons butter

1/4 teaspoon salt

1/8 teaspoon cayenne pepper

For the Poppy Seed Dressing:

1/3 cup mayonnaise

1/4 cup honey

3 tablespoons apple cider vinegar

2 tablespoons fresh orange juice

1 tablespoon poppy seeds

1 teaspoon Dijon mustard

For the Cheese Addition:

4 oz goat cheese, crumbled

1/2 cup feta cheese, crumbled (optional)

For the Vegetable Crunch:

1 red onion, thinly sliced

1 cucumber, thinly sliced

1 avocado, sliced

For the Fresh Components:

1/4 cup fresh mint leaves

2 tablespoons fresh chives, chopped

For the Dried Fruit Enhancement:

1/3 cup dried cranberries

1/4 cup golden raisins

For the Seeds & Nuts:

2 tablespoons sunflower seeds

1/4 cup sliced almonds, toasted

For the Gourmet Touches:

Edible flowers for garnish

Orange zest for finishing

For the Perfect Assembly:

Large salad bowl

Individual serving plates

For Special Equipment:

Small skillet for candying

Whisk

Fine mesh strainer

Sharp paring knife

Instructions

Begin by preparing candied pecans as they need time to cool completely.

Heat butter in small skillet over medium heat until melted and fragrant.

Add pecan halves and stir to coat evenly with the melted butter.

Sprinkle brown sugar, salt, and cayenne over pecans, stirring constantly.

Cook for 3-4 minutes until pecans are golden and sugar is caramelized.

Transfer candied pecans to parchment paper and separate individual pieces.

Allow pecans to cool completely while preparing remaining salad components.

Carefully peel mandarin oranges, removing all white pith from segments.

Remove any seeds from mandarin segments and set aside in bowl.

Whisk together all poppy seed dressing ingredients until smooth and creamy.

Taste dressing and adjust honey or vinegar to achieve perfect balance.

Wash and thoroughly dry all salad greens using salad spinner.

Tear larger lettuce leaves into bite-sized pieces for easy eating.

Thinly slice red onion and cucumber using sharp knife or mandoline.

Slice avocado just before serving to prevent browning and discoloration.

Combine all washed greens in large salad bowl, tossing gently.

Add mandarin orange segments, distributing evenly throughout the greens.

Sprinkle dried cranberries and golden raisins over the salad base.

Add sliced red onion, cucumber, and fresh avocado to the mixture.

Crumble goat cheese and feta cheese over the salad components.

Top with cooled candied pecans, toasted almonds, and sunflower seeds.

Drizzle poppy seed dressing over salad just before serving guests.

Garnish with fresh mint leaves, chives, and orange zest.

Serve immediately with additional dressing on the side for preferences.

Fresh Mandarin Orange Salad with Candied Pecans and Poppy Seed Dressing

JUE

Essential Ingredients Selection

Creating Your Masterpiece

The Art of Ultimate Fresh Mandarin Orange Salad Perfection

Fresh Mandarin Orange Salad with Candied Pecans and Poppy Seed Dressing

Ingredients

Instructions