Fresh, vibrant, and loaded with gorgeous color, Mandarin Apple Salad is the sort of quick side dish that always steals the show. With juicy mandarins, crisp apples, pops of tart dried cranberries, and a sweet balsamic vinaigrette, this salad has it all: crunch, sweetness, tang, and irresistible flavor. Whether you’re prepping a holiday spread or just a weekday lunch, this dish brightens any table with its bright flavors and beautiful presentation.

Mandarin Apple Salad Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Mandarin Apple Salad is a breeze to make, and each ingredient brings something unique to the mix, whether it’s color, crunch, or a hint of natural sweetness. Quality and freshness truly shine here, so gather these simple yet purposeful components for a showstopping salad.

Romaine Lettuce: Crisp and sturdy leaves form the perfect base for soaking up the vinaigrette without wilting.
Apples: Choose sweet-tart varieties like Honeycrisp or Fuji; they add satisfying crunch and a burst of juicy flavor.
Mandarins: Their irresistibly juicy segments bring a sunny citrus punch that makes each bite pop.
Red Onion: A fine dice gives subtle bite and beautiful color contrast without overpowering the salad.
Walnuts (optional): For lovers of crunch and nuttiness, these are a classic match with apples and greens.
Dried Cranberries: Craisins add soft texture and a perfect note of refreshing tartness.
Feta Cheese (optional): The creamy, briny crumbles take the whole salad to the next level with savory balance.
Sugar: Adds just enough sweetness to round out and tame the bite of the balsamic.
Extra-Virgin Olive Oil: Luscious richness and body for your vinaigrette—use your favorite brand!
Salt: A teaspoon is all you need to coax out every flavor in this salad.
Balsamic Vinegar: That signature tangy-sweet kick is the soul of the vinaigrette.
Lemon Water (for apples): Just a quick soak keeps chopped apples looking pretty and fresh till you’re ready to serve.

How to Make Mandarin Apple Salad

Step 1: Prep the Romaine

Start by washing the romaine thoroughly—you want every leaf to be squeaky clean and crisp. Pat or spin the leaves dry, then chop them into bite-sized pieces. Place them in a large serving bowl, making sure there’s plenty of room for tossing later on.

Step 2: Add the Mandarins

Gently peel your mandarins and divide them into neat little segments. Drop them right on top of the lettuce. These sections will glisten in the bowl, beckoning everyone to dig in!

Step 3: Chopped Apples, the Right Way

Chop your apples into half-inch pieces for the perfect forkful. If you’re not serving the salad straight away, place them in a bowl with a little lemon water—this simple trick keeps the apples from turning brown while you finish prepping the rest.

Step 4: Layer the Crunch and Color

Now it’s time for the extras! Sprinkle in that fine dice of red onion, followed by walnuts for crunch and those jewel-like dried cranberries. The blend of textures takes this Mandarin Apple Salad to a whole new level.

Step 5: Whisk the Sweet Balsamic Vinaigrette

In a separate bowl, combine the sugar, olive oil, salt, and balsamic vinegar. Whisk until the sugar dissolves and the vinaigrette comes together as a glossy, cohesive dressing. The aroma alone will have you swooning!

Step 6: Toss It All Together

Just before serving, pour the vinaigrette over the salad, using as much or as little as you like. Gently toss everything together, making sure every bite gets a hint of dressing and a mix of all the goodies.

Step 7: Top with Feta

If you love a little creamy tang, sprinkle feta cheese over the top before serving. This finishing touch ties all the flavors together for an irresistible Mandarin Apple Salad.

How to Serve Mandarin Apple Salad

Garnishes

For a truly eye-catching finish, add a few extra mandarin segments, a scatter of dried cranberries, and a handful of roughly chopped walnuts right before serving. If you’re feeling bold, a light dusting of lemon zest or some fresh herbs (like parsley or mint) elevates the freshness even further.

Side Dishes

Mandarin Apple Salad is fabulous alongside roasted chicken, grilled fish, or a simple pasta. It’s also a perfect partner for hearty soups and sandwiches, rounding out the meal with its lightness and crunch. At holiday tables, don’t be surprised if it vanishes before the heavier sides!

Creative Ways to Present

Pile the salad on a wide shallow platter for a striking centerpiece, or serve in individual glass jars for picnics and portable lunches. For parties, layer ingredients in a trifle bowl so each colorful element shows through. However you plate it, Mandarin Apple Salad draws a crowd!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you happen to have leftover Mandarin Apple Salad, stash it in an airtight container in the fridge. For best results, keep the salad and vinaigrette separate until just before serving; this prevents sogginess and ensures the greens stay fresh and crisp.

Freezing

Unfortunately, like most salads with fresh greens and fruit, Mandarin Apple Salad doesn’t freeze well—the texture and vibrancy simply don’t survive the chill. It’s best enjoyed fresh or within a day or two of making.

Reheating

There’s no need to reheat Mandarin Apple Salad! Enjoy any leftovers cold, straight from the fridge. Trust me, it’s just as delicious and refreshing the next day, especially during warmer months.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of lettuce?

Absolutely! While romaine is crisp and reliable, baby greens, spinach, or even mixed spring greens work well. Just pick something sturdy enough to hold up under the vinaigrette.

What apples are best for Mandarin Apple Salad?

Crisp, juicy apples like Honeycrisp, Fuji, or Gala are perfect. They hold their shape well and provide excellent sweetness and tang in every bite.

Is there a way to make this Mandarin Apple Salad nut-free?

Of course! Simply leave out the walnuts or swap them for toasted pumpkin or sunflower seeds if you still crave a little crunch without the nuts.

Can I prepare the dressing in advance?

Yes, the sweet balsamic vinaigrette keeps wonderfully in a jar in the fridge for up to a week. Just give it a good shake before pouring over your Mandarin Apple Salad.

How can I add protein to make this a meal?

Grilled chicken, shrimp, or even slices of roasted turkey can turn Mandarin Apple Salad into a hearty main dish. Just layer the protein on top before serving for a satisfying healthy meal.

Final Thoughts

If you’re looking for that perfect blend of color, crunch, and fresh flavor, you simply must give Mandarin Apple Salad a try. It’s quick, easy, and guaranteed to brighten any table—let me know how it goes when you make it!