Mandarin Orange Salad with Creamy Citrus Dressing

Mandarin orange spinach salad ingredients including sliced almonds, feta cheese, and dried cranberries tossed in a creamy citrus dressing on a white platter.

5 from 8 votes

Mandarin Orange Salad with Creamy Citrus Dressing

This light, flavorful Mandarin Orange Salad includes spinach, dried cranberries, almonds, feta cheese, and mandarin oranges and pairs perfectly with our Creamy Citrus Dressing. Serve on special occasions or on any weeknight.

Total Time15

Course: Salad

Cuisine: American

Keyword: best spinach salad, creamy citrus dressing, spinach salad, winter salad

Servings: side salads

Calories: 178kcal

Author: Rachel Tiemeyer

Equipment

Ingredients

Creamy Citrus Dressing:

1 teaspoon lemon zest
2 tablespoons lemon juice freshly squeezed
2 tablespoons orange juice freshly squeezed
1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
1 tablespoon honey plus more to taste
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/3 cup extra virgin olive oil

Salad:

8 cups baby spinach leaves loosely packed; roughly chop if leaves are big
1/2 cup mandarin orange segments drained
1/3 cup sliced almonds toasted; sub: pecans
1/2 cup crumbled goat cheese or feta cheese
1/3 cup dried cranberries

Instructions

For the Dressing: Pour all dressing ingredients in a mason jar, close lid tightly, and shake until combined (or whisk everything together in a bowl). Refrigerate for up to two weeks.
For the Salad: In a large salad bowl or platter, either layer or toss the spinach, orange segments, crumbled cheese, sliced almonds, and cranberries. Set out the dressing alongside the salad when serving.

Video

Notes

I'd recommend serving the dressing on the side or eating immediately after dressing the salad. It won't last long after tossing with the dressing, because the citrus begins to break down the spinach.
Spring mix greens are a good replacement for the spinach.
I prefer to cut the little mandarin orange segments in half, but you can leave them whole.

Nutrition