This salad is the definition of refreshing. Juicy mandarin oranges, crisp cucumber half moons, creamy avocado, and crunchy chow mein noodles come together over a bed of greens. Drizzled with a tangy dressing, this dish will hit the spot every time.
This salad is perfect on its own as a side or an appetizer. You can also pair it with grilled chicken, steak, or shrimp to make it a bigger meal.
What you need:
- Mandarin oranges. If using fresh mandarin oranges, you will need 2-3. Alternatively, you can use one 15oz can of mandarin orange slices.
- Cucumber. Adds a fresh crunch to the salad.
- Avocado. Packed with good nutrients, this adds a nice texture.
- Crispy chow mein noodles. I find these in the international aisle at my local grocery store. Any fried noodle that will add a crunch can be used.
- Greens. I prefer to use spinach, but you can also use kale or romaine.
- Dressing. I make this salad with a tangy orangey dressing that contains just 5 ingredients- olive oil, rice vinegar, orange juice, ground ginger, and garlic powder.
You can bring this dish together in under 15 minutes. Once you prep all of your vegetables, move on to making your dressing. Combine olive oil, rice vinegar, orange juice, ground ginger, and garlic powder in a glass jar and stir well to combine.
Assemble the mandarin oranges, cucumber, and avocado over a bed of greens. I like to use spinach. Then top with the chow mein noodles. Drizzle the dressing over top and you are all set!
To make it a complete meal, I’ll often pair this salad with grilled chicken, steak, or shrimp!
Juicy mandarin oranges, fresh cucumbers, creamy avocado, and crispy chow mein noodles come together perfectly in this salad. Topped with a tangy orange dressing, this salad will leave you feeling refreshed and satisfied.
Mandarin Orange Salad
Serves: 4
Prep time: 15 minutes
Cook time: 0 minutes
Ingredients:
- 9 oz spinach leaves
- 2 mandarin oranges, peeled and divided into segments
- 1 large cucumber, cut into half moons
- 2 avocados, peeled and cubed
- 1 cup crispy chow mein noodles
For the dressing
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 1 tbsp rice vinegar
- 2 tbsp orange juice
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/4 tsp ground ginger
Directions:
- Prepare the mandarin oranges, cucumbers, and avocado as directed above. Prepare your salad bowls with a serving of spinach, topped with the oranges, cucumbers, avocado, and chow mein noodles.
- In a glass jar, combine the olive oil, rice vinegar, orange juice, garlic powder, and ground ginger. Using a whisk, mix well to combine.
- Drizzle the prepared dressing over the salad. Add a protein such as grilled chicken or steak, or enjoy as is!
The Soft Simmer 
Leave a comment