Mandarin Apple Salad Recipe

Fresh, vibrant, and bursting with texture, Mandarin Apple Salad is the show-stopping bowl you need in your salad repertoire. Sweet mandarins, crisp apples, and pops of tart craisins come together over cool romaine, with a rich, tangy-sweet balsamic vinaigrette and crunchy walnuts for the ultimate mouthwatering mix. It’s a colorful crowd-pleaser that’s honestly as welcome at a holiday table as it is at a sunny picnic lunch, making every bite a celebration of balance and flavor.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of Mandarin Apple Salad is in its straightforward, wholesome ingredients. Each one adds a unique note to the symphony of taste and keeps things fabulously fresh, from juicy fruit to creamy cheese and zingy onions.

• Romaine Lettuce: The sturdy, crunchy base that stands up perfectly to juicy toppings and bold dressings.
• Apples: Choose sweet-tart varieties like Fuji or Honeycrisp; toss in lemon juice and water to keep their color bright.
• Mandarins: Seedless mandarins bring a burst of citrusy sweetness and lovely color segments.
• Red Onion: Finely chopped onion provides a gentle, peppery bite to balance the sweetness.
• Walnuts (optional): For a toasty crunch, you can’t beat buttery walnuts; toast them lightly for extra flavor.
• Craisins (Dried Cranberries): Just a handful adds satisfying chew and a pop of tartness that ties all the flavors together.
• Feta Cheese (optional): Creamy, salty crumbles add richness and elevate the salad with a savory touch.
• Sugar: A little sweetness in the vinaigrette smooths out the tang and helps marry the diverse flavors.
• Extra-Virgin Olive Oil: The base for your sweet balsamic vinaigrette; reach for a quality bottle if you can.
• Salt: Essential for balancing the dressing and making all the flavors pop.
• Balsamic Vinegar: Deeply flavorful and deliciously tangy, this is the secret weapon of the sweet vinaigrette.

How to Make Mandarin Apple Salad

Step 1: Prep the Romaine

Rinse and chop a large head of romaine lettuce into bite-size pieces, then spin or pat dry. The crispness of the lettuce is key, so take the time to remove excess water. Layer it as the base of your serving bowl, creating a fresh bed for all the colorful toppings to shine.

Step 2: Peel and Segment the Mandarins

Gently peel 3–4 mandarins and separate them into wedges. If you spot any pith or small seeds, remove them for the most enjoyable bite. Add the juicy mandarin segments over the romaine, letting their fruity brightness peek through.

Step 3: Prep and Add the Apples

Slice your apples into half-inch chunks, leaving the skin on for color and a touch of fiber. To stop the apples from browning, mix them into a bowl with the juice of half a lemon and half a cup of water. Let them soak while you continue, then drain and scatter over your greens when you’re ready to build the salad.

Step 4: Sprinkle in the Crunch and Color

Top your bed of lettuce and fruit with finely chopped red onion, a handful of walnuts (if using), and a generous scattering of craisins. These layers add crunch, tang, and that stunning pop of deep red that makes Mandarin Apple Salad so visually irresistible.

Step 5: Whisk the Sweet Balsamic Vinaigrette

In a small bowl or jar, whisk together 1/2 cup sugar, 3/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil, 1 teaspoon salt, and 1/4 cup balsamic vinegar. Give it a good shake or whisk to emulsify. Drizzle the vinaigrette over the salad to taste—pour a little to start, toss gently, and add more if desired for maximum flavor in every forkful.

Step 6: Finish with Feta (Optional)

For a creamy, savory flourish, sprinkle about 1/4 cup crumbled feta cheese over the top just before serving. The feta adds a delightful salty tang that beautifully complements the sweetness and fruitiness of Mandarin Apple Salad.

How to Serve Mandarin Apple Salad

Garnishes

Go the extra mile and garnish with a final light sprinkle of extra craisins and chopped walnuts, plus a few reserved mandarin segments for a restaurant-worthy look. If you love herbs, a little fresh mint or parsley can also refresh the salad’s flavors and adds a lovely aroma.

Side Dishes

This salad is a star on its own but pairs deliciously with grilled chicken, roasted turkey, or even a warm baguette. For a lighter lunch, include a bowl of your favorite soup, or add a scoop of quinoa on the side for some hearty grains—it’s endlessly adaptable!

Creative Ways to Present

For parties, arrange the Mandarin Apple Salad in a large, shallow platter so all those vibrant colors are visible. Or, try building individual mini salads in mason jars for a fun, portable picnic treat. You could also skewer pieces of apple, mandarin, greens, and a cheese cube on appetizer picks for a playful, finger-food spin.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have leftover Mandarin Apple Salad, store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It’s best consumed within one to two days—the hearty romaine can handle a bit of dressing without wilting, and the flavors often meld beautifully after chilling.

Freezing

This salad isn’t freezer-friendly, since the fresh produce and leafy greens lose their signature crunch and flavor when thawed. For best results, enjoy Mandarin Apple Salad freshly made or just lightly chilled for optimum texture and taste.

Reheating

No reheating required! Enjoy Mandarin Apple Salad cold, straight from the fridge, or let it come to room temperature briefly. If you’re making it ahead, keep the dressing, nuts, and cheese separate until ready to serve to preserve crunch and color.

FAQs

Can I use a different kind of lettuce?

Absolutely! While romaine holds up best, you can swap in butter lettuce, mixed greens, or even baby spinach. Just keep in mind that softer greens might wilt faster once dressed, so hold off on adding the vinaigrette until just before serving.

What’s the best type of apple for Mandarin Apple Salad?

Crisp, sweet-tart apples like Honeycrisp, Fuji, or Gala work beautifully, offering both crunch and juiciness. Avoid softer varieties which can get mushy, and feel free to mix red and green for more color.

How can I make Mandarin Apple Salad dairy-free?

Easy fix—just skip the feta cheese! The salad still offers plenty of flavor and creaminess from the fruit and vinaigrette. Or, try vegan feta alternatives for a similar texture without dairy.

Are there other nuts that work besides walnuts?

Pecans, candied almonds, or even pepitas (pumpkin seeds) are all delicious variations. Feel free to toast any nuts lightly to boost their flavor and crunch before adding them to the salad.

Can I prepare Mandarin Apple Salad in advance?

Yes, just keep the chopped apples soaking in lemon water, and store the greens and other toppings separately. Toss everything together with dressing and cheese right before serving for the freshest presentation.

Final Thoughts

There’s something truly special about Mandarin Apple Salad: it’s quick, colorful, and every forkful puts a smile on your face. Whether you’re sharing it at a big family gathering or tucking into a quiet lunch, I hope you’ll try this recipe and watch it win over your tastebuds (and your loved ones) in no time at all!

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