Cranberry Mandarin Orange Salad with Poppy Seed Dressing

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byJanice Smith updated on:

This Cranberry Mandarin Orange Salad is a nutritious delight featuring mixed greens, tangy mandarin oranges, cranberries, and crunchy almonds. Drizzle it with my refreshing Orange Poppy Seed Dressing for a perfect balance of sweet and tangy. Easy to make, impossible not to love!

Mandarin Orange and Cranberry Salad Recipe 27 - This Cranberry Mandarin Orange Salad is a nutritious delight featuring mixed greens, tangy mandarin oranges, cranberries, and crunchy almonds. Drizzle it with my refreshing Orange Poppy Seed Dressing for a perfect balance of sweet and tangy. Easy to make, impossible not to love!
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This Cranberry Mandarin Orange Salad is a nutritious delight featuring mixed greens, tangy mandarin oranges, cranberries, and crunchy almonds. Drizzle it with my refreshing Orange Poppy Seed Dressing for a perfect balance of sweet and tangy. Easy to make, impossible not to love!

DON’T LOSE THIS DELICIOUS RECIPE, PIN IT FOR LATER!
Cranberry and Mandarin Orange Salad with Orange Poppy Seed Dressing Recipe 2 - This Cranberry Mandarin Orange Salad is a nutritious delight featuring mixed greens, tangy mandarin oranges, cranberries, and crunchy almonds. Drizzle it with my refreshing Orange Poppy Seed Dressing for a perfect balance of sweet and tangy. Easy to make, impossible not to love!

Indulge in the ultimate healthy delight with our Cranberry Mandarin Orange Salad! Bursting with vibrant flavors and a zesty Orange Poppy Seed Dressing.

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What makes this salad healthy?

This mandarin orange salad is a powerhouse of nutrition. Packed with mixed greens, mandarin oranges, dried cranberries, and toasted almonds, it’s a symphony of flavors and nutrients. The greens provide a boost of vitamins, while the oranges bring a dose of antioxidants. Cranberries are like little health warriors, and almonds add a delightful crunch along with healthy fats.

Why you’ll love this recipe

Besides the fact that it’s a rainbow on your plate, the Orange Poppy Seed Dressing is the game-changer. Tangy red wine vinegar, freshly squeezed orange juice, a drizzle of honey, and the pop of poppy seeds make for a dressing that’s as refreshing as it sounds. The balance of sweet and tangy is pure magic, tying the whole salad together.

RELATED: Mandarin Chicken Pasta Salad – Packed with protein-rich chicken, as well as flavorful mandarin oranges, vegetables and a tasty dressing, this salad is an easy way to nourish your body.

Mandarin Orange and Cranberry Salad Recipe 30 - This Cranberry Mandarin Orange Salad is a nutritious delight featuring mixed greens, tangy mandarin oranges, cranberries, and crunchy almonds. Drizzle it with my refreshing Orange Poppy Seed Dressing for a perfect balance of sweet and tangy. Easy to make, impossible not to love!

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Ingredients you’ll need for this salad

Mandarin Orange and Cranberry Salad Recipe 1 - This Cranberry Mandarin Orange Salad is a nutritious delight featuring mixed greens, tangy mandarin oranges, cranberries, and crunchy almonds. Drizzle it with my refreshing Orange Poppy Seed Dressing for a perfect balance of sweet and tangy. Easy to make, impossible not to love!

For the salad

  • 1 (5 ounce) package mixed greens
  • 1 (11 ounce) can mandarin oranges, drained
  • ½ cup dried cranberries

For the dressing

  • 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar 
  • 1 tablespoon freshly squeezed orange juice 
  • 1 tablespoon honey 
  • 2 teaspoons poppyseeds
  • Salt and black pepper, to taste 

Optional Garnish

  • ¼ cup toasted sliced almonds
  • ¼ cup fried wonton strips (optional)

Be sure to check out the full ingredient list and printable recipe in the recipe card below.

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Salad making essentials

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How to make this Mandarin Orange Salad Recipe

This healthy vegan salad comes together in four easy steps!

Mandarin Orange and Cranberry Salad Recipe 3 - This Cranberry Mandarin Orange Salad is a nutritious delight featuring mixed greens, tangy mandarin oranges, cranberries, and crunchy almonds. Drizzle it with my refreshing Orange Poppy Seed Dressing for a perfect balance of sweet and tangy. Easy to make, impossible not to love!
Mandarin Orange and Cranberry Salad Recipe 2 - This Cranberry Mandarin Orange Salad is a nutritious delight featuring mixed greens, tangy mandarin oranges, cranberries, and crunchy almonds. Drizzle it with my refreshing Orange Poppy Seed Dressing for a perfect balance of sweet and tangy. Easy to make, impossible not to love!
Mandarin Orange and Cranberry Salad Recipe 5 - This Cranberry Mandarin Orange Salad is a nutritious delight featuring mixed greens, tangy mandarin oranges, cranberries, and crunchy almonds. Drizzle it with my refreshing Orange Poppy Seed Dressing for a perfect balance of sweet and tangy. Easy to make, impossible not to love!
Mandarin Orange and Cranberry Salad Recipe 11 - This Cranberry Mandarin Orange Salad is a nutritious delight featuring mixed greens, tangy mandarin oranges, cranberries, and crunchy almonds. Drizzle it with my refreshing Orange Poppy Seed Dressing for a perfect balance of sweet and tangy. Easy to make, impossible not to love!
Mandarin Orange and Cranberry Salad Recipe 15 - This Cranberry Mandarin Orange Salad is a nutritious delight featuring mixed greens, tangy mandarin oranges, cranberries, and crunchy almonds. Drizzle it with my refreshing Orange Poppy Seed Dressing for a perfect balance of sweet and tangy. Easy to make, impossible not to love!
Mandarin Orange and Cranberry Salad Recipe 17 - This Cranberry Mandarin Orange Salad is a nutritious delight featuring mixed greens, tangy mandarin oranges, cranberries, and crunchy almonds. Drizzle it with my refreshing Orange Poppy Seed Dressing for a perfect balance of sweet and tangy. Easy to make, impossible not to love!
  1. Layer the salad ingredients into your serving bowls, excluding the wonton strips and almonds.
  2. Whisk or shake together the dressing ingredients in a small bowl or jar with a lid.
  3. Just before serving, pour the dressing over the salad and give it a good toss.
  4. Top it off with those crispy wonton strips and almonds and get ready to impress your taste buds!
Mandarin Orange and Cranberry Salad Recipe 4 - This Cranberry Mandarin Orange Salad is a nutritious delight featuring mixed greens, tangy mandarin oranges, cranberries, and crunchy almonds. Drizzle it with my refreshing Orange Poppy Seed Dressing for a perfect balance of sweet and tangy. Easy to make, impossible not to love!

Make this Mandarin Orange Salad, then check out my Vegan Winter Kale and Quinoa Salad with Avocado Dressing and more of my vegan salad recipes.

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TIPS AND FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Read on for tips and substitution ideas on how to make this recipe, such as how to customize this salad, and how to store this salad.

Can I use a creamy poppyseed dressing instead?

Absolutely! This salad is versatile; feel free to switch things up.

Can I prepare this mandarin Pasta salad ahead of time?

Yes, indeed! Just hold off on adding the almonds and wonton strips until you’re ready to serve as they’ll get soggy if they’re added too soon.

What if I can’t find mandarin oranges?

Tangerines or clementines are excellent substitutes. Get creative with the citrus!

Mandarin Orange and Cranberry Salad Recipe 18 - This Cranberry Mandarin Orange Salad is a nutritious delight featuring mixed greens, tangy mandarin oranges, cranberries, and crunchy almonds. Drizzle it with my refreshing Orange Poppy Seed Dressing for a perfect balance of sweet and tangy. Easy to make, impossible not to love!

Any ideas for crunchy alternatives to wonton strips?

Try croutons, pumpkin seeds, or even crispy chickpea croutons for that satisfying crunch.

How do I store leftover Mandarin Orange Salad?

If you somehow manage to have leftovers (kudos to your self-control), store them in an airtight container in the fridge. Just remember to add the almonds and wonton strips right before you dig in for round two.

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Mandarin Orange and Cranberry Salad Recipe 24 - This Cranberry Mandarin Orange Salad is a nutritious delight featuring mixed greens, tangy mandarin oranges, cranberries, and crunchy almonds. Drizzle it with my refreshing Orange Poppy Seed Dressing for a perfect balance of sweet and tangy. Easy to make, impossible not to love!

So there you have it, a salad that’s not just a meal but a celebration of flavors and nutrition. Tag me in your creations, and let’s spread the salad love!

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Cranberry and Mandarin Orange Salad with Orange Poppy Seed Dressing Recipe - This Cranberry Mandarin Orange Salad is a nutritious delight featuring mixed greens, tangy mandarin oranges, cranberries, and crunchy almonds. Drizzle it with my refreshing Orange Poppy Seed Dressing for a perfect balance of sweet and tangy. Easy to make, impossible not to love!
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Cranberry and Mandarin Orange Salad with Orange Poppy Seed Dressing Recipe

9e6272d16533b616004d97f7b4e6c8d058595fc2b634d1a35e29d9ad2c6a4ccc?s=20&d=mm&r=g - This Cranberry Mandarin Orange Salad is a nutritious delight featuring mixed greens, tangy mandarin oranges, cranberries, and crunchy almonds. Drizzle it with my refreshing Orange Poppy Seed Dressing for a perfect balance of sweet and tangy. Easy to make, impossible not to love!Janice
This salad is a nutritious delight featuring mixed greens, tangy mandarin oranges, cranberries, and crunchy almonds. Drizzle it with the refreshing Orange Poppy Seed Dressing for a perfect balance of sweet and tangy.
prep: 5 minutes
Total: 5 minutes
calories: 167kcal
servings: 4 servings
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Ingredients 

For the Mandarin Salad

  • 1 5 ounce package mixed greens
  • 1 11 ounce can mandarin oranges, drained
  • ½ cup dried cranberries
  • ¼ cup toasted sliced almonds
  • ¼ cup fried wonton strips (optional)

For the Orange Poppy Seed Dressing

  • 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
  • 1 tablespoon freshly squeezed orange juice
  • 1 tablespoon honey
  • 2 teaspoons poppyseeds
  • Salt and black pepper (to taste)

Instructions

  • Layer the ingredients for the salad into serving bowls except for the wonton strips and sliced almonds.
  • In a small bowl or jar with a lid, whisk or shake together the ingredients for the dressing.
  • Prior to serving, pour the dressing over the salad and toss.
  • Top with the wonton strips and sliced almonds and serve.

Notes

If preparing ahead, wait until serving to add the sliced almonds and wonton strips.

Nutrition

Serving: 1salad | Calories: 167kcal | Carbohydrates: 32g | Protein: 3g | Fat: 5g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 4g | Sodium: 167mg | Fiber: 3g | Sugar: 25g

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Cranberry and Mandarin Orange Salad with Orange Poppy Seed Dressing Recipe 1 scaled - This Cranberry Mandarin Orange Salad is a nutritious delight featuring mixed greens, tangy mandarin oranges, cranberries, and crunchy almonds. Drizzle it with my refreshing Orange Poppy Seed Dressing for a perfect balance of sweet and tangy. Easy to make, impossible not to love!

Janice Smith is the creator and food blogger behind Salads for Lunch, a healthy recipe website dedicated to easy, delicious salads, soups, and wholesome family meals. With a Bachelor of Science degree in Kinesiology and a certificate in Athletic Therapy, Janice combines her passion for nutrition, fitness, and simple home cooking to inspire readers to live healthier lives. She began blogging after transforming her own lifestyle through healthy eating and exercise, and now shares approachable recipes that make it easy for busy families to enjoy fresh, seasonal ingredients. When she's not developing recipes, Janice enjoys running, staying active, and spending time with her three daughters. Through Salads for Lunch, she encourages readers to embrace healthy living one meal at a time.

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