Mandarin Orange Romaine Salad

A bright, zesty salad is a sought-after recipe during the hot summer months. If you’ve been searching for the perfect one, our mandarin orange romaine salad aims to be the final stop on your quest. A classic oil and vinegar dressing gets a sweet and spicy twist, making it the perfect accompaniment to bring together juicy oranges and crisp romaine lettuce. Chopped celery adds an earthy flavor that’s accentuated by grassy green onions and vibrant fresh parsley. Put together, it’s one of the most versatile salads for your roster of garden-fresh side dishes.

Top it with roasted turkey breast as a light and healthy lunch, or serve it alongside quinoa bowls when you need an easy summer weeknight dinner. It’s a fantastic everyday dish, but it’s also pretty enough to prepare for a crowd on a special occasion.

Mandarin Orange Romaine Salad Ingredients

• Dressing: Canola oil, sugar, tarragon vinegar, salt, hot pepper sauce and pepper combine to create a sweet, spicy, zesty dressing that brightens up this crisp romaine salad.
• Romaine: Leafy romaine lettuce adds a crisp texture and a mild, slightly earthy flavor. If romaine isn’t available, you can swap in different types of lettuce.
• Mandarin oranges: Sweet, juicy mandarin orange segments provide a burst of flavor and a pop of color.
• Celery: Chopped celery has an earthy flavor with slight bitter notes. Choose light green stalks with vibrant leaves for the freshest produce with a refreshing crunch.
• Green onions: These mild onions are less pungent than their larger family members and contribute subtle grassy notes.
• Fresh parsley: Minced fresh parsley adds a bold, herbaceous flavor. You can use dried herbs if you can’t find fresh, but they’re more concentrated in flavor. Use a fresh-to-dried herb conversion to avoid adding an overpowering amount.

Directions

Step 1: Make the dressing

In a small bowl, whisk together the canola oil, sugar, tarragon vinegar, salt, hot pepper sauce and pepper until well blended.

Editor’s Tip: If whisking by hand proves to be too tedious, consider using an immersion blender. Alternatively, shake the ingredients in a jar with a sealable lid until combined.

Step 2: Bring it all together

In a large bowl, combine the romaine, mandarin oranges, celery, green onions and fresh parsley.

Drizzle the salad with the dressing and toss lightly to coat.

Recipe Variations

• Finish with nuts: Slivered almonds add a nutty flavor with a satisfying crunch. If you’re looking for a sweeter addition, try using candied pecans for a richer, more caramelized flavor.
• Add cheese: Crumbled feta or goat cheese adds a creamy element and provides saltiness that contrasts with the sweet mandarin oranges.
• Use different leafy greens: Adding spinach will contribute a slightly earthy taste to the crisp romaine salad, while arugula can add a lively peppery quality.
• Top with protein: Sliced grilled chicken breast can transform this salad into a filling, protein-packed meal.

How to Store Mandarin Orange Romaine Salad

We recommend storing the salad greens separate from the dressing and toppings. Keep them in separate airtight containers in the fridge, where they will last up to four days.

Can you make mandarin orange romaine salad ahead of time?

We don’t recommend making mandarin orange romaine salad ahead of time, as the dressing can wilt the delicate lettuce. A soggy, wilted salad is not an exciting proposition, so it’s best to prepare this mandarin orange romaine salad fresh for the best taste and texture. If needed, you can make the dressing ahead and stash it in the fridge until you’re ready to serve.

Mandarin Orange Romaine Salad Tips

Can I use fresh mandarins instead of canned in salad recipes?

You can substitute fresh mandarins if the canned ones are unavailable, but be prepared to make some adjustments. Fresh mandarins may be less sweet than canned ones that are typically stored in a sugar syrup. We recommend adjusting the sugar in the salad dressing to compensate.

How do I keep romaine lettuce crisp?

Keeping lettuce fresh and crisp is essential for any good salad, but how you store it depends on whether the head has been chopped. To store a full head of lettuce, wrap it in a damp paper towel, put it inside a storage bag and store it in the crisper bin in the refrigerator. For individual leaves, wash the lettuce, then place them in a lettuce keeper in the fridge. To crisp up lettuce before use, soak it in ice water for a few minutes and then spin dry.

How do you keep mandarin orange salad from getting soggy?

Mandarin orange salad will likely become soggy if the ingredients are combined ahead of time, so we suggest keeping the produce separate from the dressing until just before serving. Mixing the salad ingredients with the dressing will soften the lettuce and celery and cause them to lose their signature crispness.