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RECIPE: Sunshine Citrus Crunch Salad

By
Real Estate Agent with Savvy + Company (704) 491-3310 228209

Sunshine Citrus Crunch Salad

A fresh, sweet-savory classic with a modern twist

Bright, crisp, and just a little nostalgic, Sunshine Citrus Crunch Salad is one of those recipes that disappears fast wherever it’s served. The combination of tender greens, juicy mandarin oranges and warm candied almonds is balanced perfectly by a light, tangy homemade dressing. It’s simple, timeless and always a crowd-pleaser.

🥗 Ingredients

For the Salad

  • 1 head lettuce, chopped
  • 1 bunch romaine, chopped
  • 2 cups fresh spinach
  • 2 stalks celery, sliced
  • 2 green onions (with tops), sliced
  • 1 (11-oz) can mandarin oranges, well drained

Candied Almonds

  • ¼ cup sliced almonds
  • 1 tablespoon + 1 teaspoon sugar

Dressing

  • ¼ cup oil
  • 2 tablespoons sugar
  • 2 tablespoons vinegar
  • 1 tablespoon fresh parsley or 1 teaspoon dried parsley
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • Dash of black pepper
  • Dash of red pepper flakes
  • Dash of pepper sauce (to taste)

👩‍🍳 Instructions

1. Prepare the Candied Almonds
In a small skillet over low heat, combine sliced almonds and sugar. Cook slowly, stirring constantly, until the sugar melts and coats the almonds evenly. Remove from heat and set aside to cool.

2. Build the Salad Base
In a large serving bowl, combine lettuce, romaine, spinach, celery and green onions. Toss gently to mix.

3. Make the Dressing
Whisk together oil, sugar, vinegar, parsley, salt, pepper, red pepper flakes and pepper sauce until fully combined.

4. Toss & Serve
Just before serving, add mandarin oranges and candied almonds. Drizzle with dressing and toss lightly until everything is coated.

Serving Notes

  • Toss at the last minute to keep the greens crisp
  • Perfect for holidays, brunches, potlucks or weeknight dinners
  • Pairs beautifully with grilled chicken, ham or salmon

Fresh, colorful, and effortlessly elegant, Sunshine Citrus Crunch Salad is proof that the simplest recipes are often the most memorable. ENJOY!

Comments(14)

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Nina Hollander, Broker
Coldwell Banker Realty - Charlotte, NC
Your Greater Charlotte Real Estate Broker

Oh my goodness, Debe... that looks so good and I'm sure it tastes even better. Say mandarins to me and I'm there!

Feb 16, 2026 05:02 AM
Debe Maxwell, CRS

I'm the same about mandarin oranges, Nina Hollander, Broker--they are just so refreshing and a perfect accent to any salad. The candied almonds are also SO good! 

Feb 16, 2026 07:35 AM
Nina Hollander, Broker

Debe Maxwell, CRS I use those mandarin oranges in a jello and sherbet dish I make as a dessert. Maybe I should think of it as a salad... and that way I can have a second dessert.

Feb 16, 2026 08:21 AM
Wayne Martin
Wayne M Martin - Oswego, IL
Real Estate Broker - Retired

Good morning Debe. You had me at the photo with the mandarin oranges. My wife makes an orange mandarin salad that everyone likes. It sounds close to your recipe. My suggestion is all should give it a try. Thanks! Enjoy your salad.

Feb 16, 2026 05:12 AM
Debe Maxwell, CRS

Maybe she'll share her recipe that you can share here, Wayne Martin? I love any salad with mandarins in it!

Feb 16, 2026 07:35 AM
Brian England
Ambrose Realty Management LLC - Gilbert, AZ
MBA, GRI, REALTOR® Real Estate in East Valley AZ

That looks delicious!  It reminds me of the days when I would have a salad every day, haha.  Now, I mainly eat meat, but I have never eaten red snapper, haha.

Feb 16, 2026 05:36 AM
Debe Maxwell, CRS

I am not the best veggie eater but, Lord knows, I try, Brian England! But, I eat seafood 4 or 5 nights a week. I buy by the bulk and have found my favorite is salmon steaks in the air fryer for 5 minutes - they are amazing! You can change up the seasoning each day and never get tired of it. I am ready to go back to Vegas to that restaurant--that is still the best red snapper I've ever had!

Feb 16, 2026 07:38 AM
Brian England

That was such a fun evening and I feel like the whole red snapper incident was my fault Debe Maxwell, CRS because I was 45 minutes late, haha.

Feb 16, 2026 07:41 AM
Brian England

Absolutely, it was, Debe Maxwell, CRS but where it becomes my fault is that he was drinking more of it because I was late, haha.  Had I been on time, it might not have happened as it did, but you certainly know him much better than I do.  It was one of the funniest things that I have ever witnessed and usually I am one to continue to antagonize, but Rocky Dickerson was all over it, haha.

Feb 16, 2026 05:25 PM
Debe Maxwell, CRS

HaHa I have no idea but, I'm sure alcohol was guilty for causing some of it, Brian England!!

Feb 16, 2026 03:20 PM
Roy Kelley
Retired - Gaithersburg, MD

Good Monday morning, Debe. Thank you very much for sharing this recipe.

Feb 16, 2026 05:46 AM
Debe Maxwell, CRS

You're so welcome! It's so refreshing and a great addition to any meal or gathering, Roy Kelley.

Feb 16, 2026 07:38 AM
Kat Palmiotti
eXp Commercial, Referral Divison - Kalispell, MT
Helping your Montana dreams take root

Yummy that does sound good!

Feb 16, 2026 05:59 AM
Debe Maxwell, CRS

It's my favorite salad besides my jellied cranberry salad, Kat Palmiotti

Feb 16, 2026 07:39 AM
Kathleen Daniels, Probate & Trust Specialist
KD Realty - 408.972.1822 - San Jose, CA
Probate Real Estate Services

Hello Debe Maxwell, CRS - this is definitely a winner for me and something I will make this summer.  

Feb 16, 2026 07:26 AM
Debe Maxwell, CRS

It's a great summer salad but, I also serve it every Christmas, Kathleen Daniels, Probate & Trust Specialist. That and my mac & cheese are often requested!

Feb 16, 2026 07:40 AM
Dorie Dillard Austin TX
Coldwell Banker Realty ~ 512.750.6899 - Austin, TX
NW Austin ~ Canyon Creek and Spicewood/Balcones

Good morning Debe Maxwell, CRS ,

OMG this looks and sounds amazing! I love mandarin oranges and often use them in a salad. I've copied this recipe and know when I make it everyone will love it! Thank you! Thank you for sharing!

Feb 16, 2026 09:46 AM
Debe Maxwell, CRS

You're so welcome, Dorie Dillard Austin TX! It's really a popular salad in my home!

Feb 16, 2026 03:09 PM
Nick Vandekar, 610-203-4543
Realty ONE Group Advocates 484-237-2055 - Downingtown, PA
Selling the Main Line & Chester County

I always loved mandarin oranges from a can, and cherries as a child, so this sounds like a wonderful think of summer salad.

Feb 16, 2026 09:49 AM
Debe Maxwell, CRS

Oh me too, Nick Vandekar, 610-203-4543! They have larger 'jars' of them now and I always go through the entire jar, using them for different salads. This is even delicious during the holidays. Adding some strawberries or pomegranate adds some holiday flair!

Feb 16, 2026 03:11 PM
George Souto
George Souto NMLS #65149 - Middletown, CT
Your Connecticut Mortgage Expert

Debe I have been looking for something different for a salad, and you have provided it.

Feb 16, 2026 11:38 AM
Debe Maxwell, CRS

I promise you won't be disappointed, George Souto! It's really delicious. You must candy the almonds though - it's quick and easy and makes a world of difference. 

Feb 16, 2026 03:12 PM
John Pusa
Glendale, CA

Hello Debe Maxwell, CRS thank you for sharing a very delicious sunshine citrus crunch salad recipe.

Feb 16, 2026 01:41 PM
Debe Maxwell, CRS

I hope you'll give it a try, John Pusa. It's really quite delicious!

Feb 16, 2026 03:12 PM
Carol Williams
Although I'm retired, I love sharing my knowledge and learning from other real estate industry professionals. - Wenatchee, WA
Author, Golfer, Retired Broker, Wenatchee, WA

Hi Debe,
This looks amazing! I love a good salad.

Feb 16, 2026 02:28 PM
Debe Maxwell, CRS

Same and this is one of my favorites Carol Williams! Let me know what you think of it! You do need to be sure to candy the almonds - it's super easy and well worth the 'crunch' they add.

Feb 16, 2026 03:13 PM
Kathy Streib
Cypress, TX
Retired Home Stager/Redesign

Hi Debe- I love everything in this salad. I always have a can of mandarin oranges in the pantry!   I feel like I always make the same old salad so I'll have to try this to add some oomph to my menu!!!

Feb 16, 2026 05:46 PM
Debe Maxwell, CRS

One of my girlfriends and I went to an Italian market back in December. The lady is Italian and brings her olive oil and balsamic vinegar straight from her family’s farm. It is DIVINE! Anyway, this Christmas, I made the salad with her balsamic and olive oil and oh my gosh, the dressing was SO yummy. If you have a Fresh Market, they often have some specialty balsamics and EVOOs. Even with out the specialty items, it’s a great salad, Kathy Streib!

Go Houston!!

Feb 16, 2026 06:48 PM
Hannah Williams
HomeStarr Realty - Philadelphia, PA
Expertise NE Philadelphia & Bucks 215-820-3376

Debe Maxwell, CRS  OMG I can taste it now sounds fabulous  love all these flavors mixed together so refreshing YUMMY 

Feb 18, 2026 11:33 AM
Debe Maxwell, CRS

Aww, thank you! It’s one of our favorite salads! I actually have it made in the fridge for tomorrow’s dinner, Hannah Williams.

Feb 22, 2026 10:04 PM
Patricia Feager
Referral Specialist - DFW FINE PROPERTIES - Flower Mound, TX
Licensed to April 2027

Debe Maxwell, CRS - Now that's the way I love my salads! I always add citrus fruit, and it makes the salad delicious! Eating healthy is good for everyone!!!

Feb 22, 2026 09:02 PM
Debe Maxwell, CRS

Oh, I’m a big believer in adding citrus to my salads, Patricia Feager! It turns a ho-hum salad into magic!

Feb 22, 2026 10:04 PM