Looking for a fresh summertime salad that’s quick, tasty, and a total crowd-pleaser? This Strawberry and Mandarin Salad is your answer. Bursting with bright flavors and colorful ingredients, it’s an easy-to-make salad perfect for hot days, potlucks, and quick lunches.
Why You Enjoy This Fresh Salad
This inexpensive strawberry and mandarin salad recipe is not only beautiful to look at, but also a dream to eat. Sweet mandarin oranges, juicy fresh strawberries, and crisp spring mix lettuce combine perfectly with candied almonds and a homemade oil and vinegar dressing.
What’s better? You can make it ahead, making it ideal for busy schedules or summer parties.
Ingredients for Strawberry and Mandarin Salad
You’ll need a mix of fruits, greens, and a sweet crunch to create this refreshing dish.
- Sliced almonds (to be transformed into toasted sugar-coated almonds)
- Mandarin oranges, drained
- Fresh strawberries, sliced
- Spring mix lettuce
- Chopped celery for an extra crisp bite
- Red onion, finely chopped
- Fresh parsley to garnish
- Apple cider vinegar for the tangy dressing
- Vegetable oil
- A dash of hot sauce
- White sugar
- Salt and ground black pepper
This blend creates the ultimate fruit and vegetable combination that defines a great summer recipe.
How to Make This Easy Salad
1. Start by heating a heavy-bottomed pan. Stir almonds and sugar together until they become delicious candied almonds — golden and crunchy. Let them cool.
2. Whisk vegetable oil, apple cider vinegar, a hint of hot sauce, sugar, salt, and pepper in a bowl to create a simple yet zesty homemade salad dressing.
3. In a large bowl, toss spring mix, oranges, strawberries, celery, onion, and parsley. Drizzle the vegetable oil mixture over everything and toss gently. Finally, sprinkle toasted almonds on top right before serving. The result? A tossed salad that’s bright, refreshing, and full of life.
The Flavor Explosion
The magic of this dish lies in the perfect pairing of strawberry and mandarin. The sweet and tangy salad flavor profile blends with the sweet and savory undertones of the dressing. Every bite delivers a satisfying mix of juicy fruits, crisp veggies, and the irresistible crunch of candied almonds.
It’s a fresh strawberry and mandarin salad made for any event — from casual lunches to fancy brunches. Its colorful salad presentation will make it the centerpiece of any table.
Nutrition Facts
This is a healthy option too! Serving Size: 1 serving
| Nutrient | Amount per Serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 185 kcal |
| Total Fat | 12g |
| Total Carbohydrates | 18g |
| Dietary Fiber | 3g |
| Total Sugars | 14g |
| Vitamin C | 33mg |
Why It’s Perfect for Make-Ahead
You can prepare this make-ahead salad a day in advance since the ingredients hold up well. The dressing should be kept apart until it’s time to serve to preserve the crisp texture.
Whether it’s for potluck salad ideas, healthy eatings, family gatherings, or just because you crave a refreshing salad option, this recipe is always a hit
Conclusion
If you’re dreaming of a healthy summer recipe that’s bursting with flavor, color, and easy prep, this Strawberry and Mandarin Salad is the answer.
It’s the perfect blend of sweet + tangy, fresh + summer, and make-ahead + crowd-pleaser qualities that everyone loves. Next time you’re looking for a refreshing salad option or new potluck salad ideas, you know exactly what to make!
Enjoy every vibrant, fruity, crispy, sweet bite — your taste buds will thank you.
FAQs
How to make a strawberry and mandarin salad recipe?
Combine fresh strawberries, oranges, greens, and a sweet vinaigrette to make a delicious strawberry and mandarin salad.
What is the best strawberry and mandarin salad dressing?
The best strawberry and mandarin salad dressing is a light blend of vegetable oil, apple cider vinegar, and a touch of sweetness.
How to prepare an easy strawberry and mandarin salad?
Prepare an easy strawberry and mandarin salad by mixing fruits with spring mix lettuce and a quick homemade dressing.
What is a romaine, strawberry, and orange salad recipe?
A romaine, strawberry, and orange salad recipe combines crisp romaine lettuce, fresh strawberries, juicy oranges, and a citrus dressing.
How to create a strawberry, mandarin orange, and spinach salad?
Create a strawberry mandarin orange spinach salad by tossing spinach leaves with strawberries, mandarins, and a sweet vinaigrette.
What is a strawberry mandarin pecan salad recipe?
A strawberry mandarin pecan salad recipe blends juicy fruits, crunchy pecans, fresh greens, and a tangy vinaigrette.
How to make spinach strawberry and mandarin salad with poppy seed dressing?
Make spinach, strawberry, and mandarin salad with poppy seed dressing by combining spinach, strawberries, mandarins, and a creamy poppy seed dressing.
