Mixed Greens and Mandarin Oranges with Homemade Dressing

Mandarin oranges are little segments of citrus flavor suitable for salads, vegetables, main dishes and, can’t forget, desserts. Although mostly used in canned form, you may have eaten a fresh mandarin orange and not even realized it. 

"Mandarin oranges" is a term that applies to an entire group of citrus fruits. This group, botanically classified as Citrus reticulata, includes such varieties as Satsuma, Clementine, Honey, Dancy, Pixie, and tangerines in general. Most are sweeter than their other citrus cousins, yet there are some tart varieties, have a bright orange skin that is easy to peel, and inner segments that are easily separated. There are seeded and seedless varieties.

The terms "mandarin orange" and "tangerine" are often used interchangeably, particularly outside the US. This might be confusing, because although a tangerine is a mandarin orange, not all mandarin oranges are tangerines. Tangerines are the most common variety of fresh mandarin orange found in the US.

Mandarin refers to the bright orange robes worn by the mandarins, public officials of the ancient Chinese court. These delectable fruits were often reserved strictly for the privileged class in the Far East, another distinguishing reason why they are called mandarins or mandarin oranges today. Although cultivated for over 3,000 years in China, mandarin oranges did not reach Europe and North America until the nineteenth century. The first mandarin oranges to be exported were shipped from the city of Tangiers in Morocco, hence the moniker tangerines.

Research Source: About

Need your daily dose of greens and fruit, try this mixed greens and fruit salad with homemade dressing.

Mixed Greens and Mandarin Oranges with Homemade Dressing
Copyrighted 2013, Christine’s Pantry. All rights reserved.

Ingredients:
1 (10 oz.) bag mixed greens
1 (11 oz.) can mandarin oranges, drained
1/2 cup walnut halves
1/4 cup crumble goat cheese or crumble feta cheese
1/2 cup orange juice
1 tablespoon honey
1/2 teaspoon cinnamon

Directions:
In a salad bowl, toss together mixed greens, mandarin oranges, walnut halves and goat cheese.

Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together orange juice, honey and cinnamon.

Just before serving, add dressing, toss to coat. Enjoy!