The Art of Ultimate Mandarin Orange Salad Perfection

Perfect Citrus Segmenting Mastery

Master the technique of cleanly segmenting oranges without bitter pith.

Nut Toasting Excellence

Learn the skill of toasting nuts to perfect golden color and fragrant aroma.

Poppy Seed Dressing Perfection

Perfect the method of creating smooth, well-emulsified poppy seed vinaigrette.

Greens Handling Technique

Master the art of preparing and combining different greens for optimal texture.

Elegant Assembly Strategy

Learn optimal layering and timing for maintaining freshness and visual appeal.

Citrus Salad Mastery Secrets for Perfect Mandarin Orange Combination

Orange Selection: Choose heavy, firm mandarin oranges that give slightly when pressed gently.

Greens Preparation: Ensure all greens are completely dry to prevent diluting the dressing.

Poppy Seed Quality: Use fresh poppy seeds for best flavor - old seeds can taste bitter.

Assembly Timing: Add delicate ingredients like cheese and nuts just before serving.

Dressing Balance: Adjust honey to taste depending on mandarin sweetness and preference.

Storage Strategy: Keep components separate until serving to maintain optimal texture and freshness.

Mandarin Orange Salad with Mixed Greens and Poppy Seed Vinaigrette

Name: Mandarin Orange Salad with Mixed Greens and Poppy Seed Vinaigrette
Prep time: 18 min
Cook time: 5 min
Total time: 23 min
Yield: 6 servings
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: For the Citrus Foundation:; 6 large mandarin oranges, peeled and segmented; 1 large navel orange, peeled and sectioned; 1/2 cup orange juice, freshly squeezed; For the Fresh Greens:; 8 cups mixed spring greens; 3 cups baby spinach leaves; 2 cups arugula leaves; 1 cup butter lettuce, torn; For the Poppy Seed Vinaigrette:; 1/3 cup white wine vinegar; 1/4 cup honey; 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard; 2 tablespoons poppy seeds; 1/2 cup vegetable oil; 1 tablespoon orange zest; For the Crunchy Elements:; 1/2 cup sliced almonds, toasted; 1/4 cup toasted pecans, chopped; 2 tablespoons sunflower seeds; For the Creamy Additions:; 4 oz goat cheese, crumbled; 1/2 cup feta cheese, crumbled; 1/4 cup dried cranberries; For the Flavor Enhancers:; 1/4 red onion, thinly sliced; 2 tablespoons fresh chives, minced; 1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves; For the Seasoning:; 1 teaspoon coarse sea salt

The ultimate citrus salad featuring sweet mandarin orange segments, crisp mixed greens, and crunchy toasted almonds tossed in a creamy poppy seed dressing. This elegant and refreshing dish combines the bright sweetness of juicy mandarin oranges with the fresh crunch of seasonal greens, creating a sophisticated salad that's perfect for holiday dinners, special occasions, or light lunch meals that celebrate the vibrant flavors of citrus with every colorful and delicious bite.

Prep Time

18 Minutes

Cook Time

5 Minutes

Total Time

23 Minutes

Chef

JUE

Ingredients

Custard Cream

For the Citrus Foundation:

6 large mandarin oranges, peeled and segmented

1 large navel orange, peeled and sectioned

1/2 cup orange juice, freshly squeezed

For the Fresh Greens:

8 cups mixed spring greens

3 cups baby spinach leaves

2 cups arugula leaves

1 cup butter lettuce, torn

For the Poppy Seed Vinaigrette:

1/3 cup white wine vinegar

1/4 cup honey

2 tablespoons Dijon mustard

2 tablespoons poppy seeds

1/2 cup vegetable oil

1 tablespoon orange zest

For the Crunchy Elements:

1/2 cup sliced almonds, toasted

1/4 cup toasted pecans, chopped

2 tablespoons sunflower seeds

For the Creamy Additions:

4 oz goat cheese, crumbled

1/2 cup feta cheese, crumbled

1/4 cup dried cranberries

For the Flavor Enhancers:

1/4 red onion, thinly sliced

2 tablespoons fresh chives, minced

1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves

For the Seasoning:

1 teaspoon coarse sea salt

1/2 teaspoon white pepper

1/4 teaspoon garlic powder

For the Optional Additions:

1 avocado, sliced

1/4 cup pomegranate seeds

2 tablespoons candied walnuts

For the Garnish:

Orange zest curls

Fresh herb sprigs

Extra poppy seeds

For the Sweet Touch:

2 tablespoons maple syrup

1 tablespoon brown sugar

For Perfect Assembly:

Large salad bowl

Salad tongs

Small whisk

For Special Equipment:

Citrus zester

Sharp paring knife

Dry skillet

Fine mesh strainer

Instructions

Toast sliced almonds in dry skillet over medium heat until golden.

Remove toasted almonds from heat and let cool completely before using.

Similarly toast pecans until fragrant and lightly browned throughout.

Peel mandarin oranges carefully, removing all white pith completely.

Separate orange segments, removing any seeds and tough membranes.

Reserve any orange juice that accumulates during segmenting process.

Wash all greens thoroughly in cold water and spin completely dry.

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

Slice red onion as thinly as possible using sharp knife.

Soak sliced onion in ice water for 10 minutes to mellow flavor.

In small bowl, whisk together white wine vinegar and honey.

Add Dijon mustard and orange zest to vinegar mixture, whisking well.

Slowly drizzle in vegetable oil while whisking to create smooth emulsion.

Stir in poppy seeds and season with salt, pepper, and garlic powder.

Let poppy seed dressing sit for 5 minutes to develop flavors.

In large salad bowl, combine all mixed greens and torn lettuce.

Add drained red onion slices and fresh herb pieces to greens.

Gently fold in mandarin orange segments, being careful not to break.

Drizzle poppy seed vinaigrette over salad and toss very gently.

Add crumbled goat cheese and feta cheese just before serving.

Sprinkle toasted almonds, pecans, and sunflower seeds over top.

Scatter dried cranberries throughout for bursts of sweet-tart flavor.

Garnish with orange zest curls and fresh herb sprigs.

Serve immediately while greens are crisp and citrus is fresh.

Store leftover dressing separately in refrigerator for up to 1 week.

Mandarin Orange Salad with Mixed Greens and Poppy Seed Vinaigrette

JUE

Essential Ingredients Selection

Creating Your Masterpiece

The Art of Ultimate Mandarin Orange Salad Perfection

Mandarin Orange Salad with Mixed Greens and Poppy Seed Vinaigrette

Ingredients

Instructions