Mandarin Orange Salad with Sugared Pecans
Brighten up your table with the vibrant flavors of Mandarin Orange Salad with Sugared Pecans—an irresistible combination of crisp mixed greens, juicy mandarin oranges, and the crunchy sweetness of caramelized pecans. This easy-to-make salad is elevated with a tangy, homemade dressing featuring olive oil, white wine vinegar, a touch of honey, and Dijon mustard, balancing the perfect sweet and savory notes in every bite. Ready in just 20 minutes, it’s a show-stopping side dish for holidays, dinner parties, or a light, refreshing lunch. Packed with texture, color, and flavor, this salad is as delightful to eat as it is to prepare.
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 6 cups mixed salad greens
- 1 cup mandarin oranges (canned, drained or fresh segments)
- 0.25 cup red onion (thinly sliced)
- 1 cup pecan halves
- 0.5 cup granulated sugar
- 0.25 cup olive oil
- 2 tablespoons white wine vinegar
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 1 teaspoon honey
- 0.5 teaspoon salt
- 0.25 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
Begin by preparing the sugared pecans. Heat a non-stick skillet over medium heat and add the pecan halves.
Sprinkle the sugar evenly over the pecans and continuously stir until the sugar melts and coats the pecans evenly, about 3-5 minutes. Be careful not to burn the sugar.
Transfer the sugared pecans to a sheet of parchment paper or a silicone mat to cool and harden.
In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, white wine vinegar, Dijon mustard, honey, salt, and black pepper to create the dressing. Set aside.
In a large salad bowl, combine the mixed greens, mandarin oranges, and red onion slices.
Break the cooled sugared pecans into smaller pieces if desired and add them to the salad.
Drizzle the dressing over the salad and toss gently to combine.
Serve immediately and enjoy this fresh, sweet, and tangy dish!
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
1885 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 139.4 g | 179% | |
| Saturated Fat | 16.0 g | 80% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 5.5 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 0 mg | 0% | |
| Sodium | 1409 mg | 61% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 163.8 g | 60% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 16.7 g | 60% | |
| Total Sugars | 138.3 g | ||
| Protein | 15.5 g | 31% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.0 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 215 mg | 17% | |
| Iron | 5.8 mg | 32% | |
| Potassium | 1385 mg | 29% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
