Cranberry Mandarin Orange Salad with Poppy Seed Dressing

Name: Cranberry and Mandarin Orange Salad with Orange Poppy Seed Dressing Recipe
Prep time: 5 min
Total time: 5 min
Ingredients: 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); 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar; 1 tablespoon freshly squeezed orange juice; 1 tablespoon honey; 2 teaspoons poppyseeds; Salt and black pepper (to taste)

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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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Dewpeton Pro-Series 20-in-1 Mandoline Slicer & Spiralizer, Veggie Chopper with Container, Home Essential Kitchen Gadget Gray 10 Blades

ALLIGATOR CHOPPER

Cheese grater

SALAD SPINNER

LEMON SQUEEZER

KITEISCAT Extra Large Elegant Ceramic Oval Salad Bowl Set with Premium Acacia Wood Salad Serving Utensils - Large Capacity, Stylish and Practical, Kitchen Must-Have

ELEGANT SALAD BOWL

COOLCAA 4 Pack Glass Salad Jars with Lids and Fork, 32oz Mason Jar Salad Containers for Lunch with Removable Dressing Cup, Leakproof Glass Container for Lunch Meal Prep Jars, BPA Free & Reusable

SALAD STORAGE MASON JARS

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!

Layer the salad ingredients into your serving bowls, excluding the wonton strips and almonds.
Whisk or shake together the dressing ingredients in a small bowl or jar with a lid.
Just before serving, pour the dressing over the salad and give it a good toss.
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!