Prepare the Fruit and Vegetables

• Start by peeling and segmenting the mandarins. Cut the peel off and remove any seeds, then separate the segments. Be sure to keep the segments intact to preserve their juiciness and sweetness.
• Wash and prepare the vegetables: Peel the carrots and either julienne them into thin strips or shred them with a box grater. Slice the cucumber into thin rounds or half-moons, depending on your preference. Cut the red bell pepper into thin strips and slice the red onion as thinly as possible to add a bit of sharpness to the salad.
• Chop the fresh cilantro or parsley and set aside. These herbs will add a burst of freshness to the salad that complements the sweetness of the mandarins.

Make the Dressing

• In a small bowl or jar, whisk together 3 tablespoons of olive oil, 2 tablespoons of rice vinegar, 1 tablespoon of honey (or maple syrup for a vegan option), 1 teaspoon of soy sauce, and ½ teaspoon of grated fresh ginger. The soy sauce adds a salty umami flavor that pairs wonderfully with the sweetness of the honey and mandarins.
• Add 1 small minced garlic clove, a pinch of salt, and freshly ground black pepper to the dressing, then whisk until everything is well combined. Taste the dressing and adjust the seasoning by adding more honey for sweetness or vinegar for acidity.

Assemble the Salad

• In a large salad bowl, combine the mixed greens, shredded carrots, sliced cucumber, red bell pepper, and red onion. Gently toss to distribute the ingredients evenly.
• Add the mandarin orange segments on top of the salad and sprinkle with chopped cilantro or parsley for a pop of color and freshness.

Add the Dressing

• Drizzle the prepared dressing over the salad, then toss gently to combine. Make sure all the ingredients are coated evenly with the dressing. If you want to avoid wilting the greens too quickly, you can serve the dressing on the side and allow guests to add their own portion.

Serve Immediately

• Divide the salad into individual serving bowls and garnish with optional toppings like crumbled feta cheese, chopped nuts, or additional fresh herbs. Serve immediately for the best texture and flavor.