23 Of The Easiest Mandarin Recipes

Juicy, sweet, and wonderfully tasty, mandarins are a versatile fruit that can be used in a variety of recipes.

Whether you eat them as a small snack, in a stir fry, add them to salads, or include them in luscious desserts, mandarins will always be juicy and delicious.

So, what are mandarins? These are a type of tropical citrus fruit. Known as mandarin oranges, they are actually sweeter and somewhat smaller than your typical orange.

But, once you peel them back and take a bite, you will be met with a vibrant flavor that goes well in many meals and dishes. 

If you’re in the mood for some healthy mandarin oranges, or want to spruce up some dishes with the fruit, you’re in the right place.

In today’s post, we are going to guide you through 23 of our favorite mandarin recipes that you can enjoy for breakfast, lunch, dinner, and dessert! Some even come in the form of smoothies!

There are so many possibilities with these citrus fruits, so let’s get down to business and get cooking! 

The Best Mandarin Recipes 

1. Frozen Citrus Fruit Cups

We start with these summer, sunny citrus treats. Refreshing with an explosion of delicious flavors and colors, these frozen citrus fruit cups are ideal for an upcoming get together.

Serve them in some glittery foil containers, and you will have the most eye-catching snack on the table. 

2. Orange-Topped Chops

Easy, affordable, and quick to make, this orange topped chops recipe only requires a few simple ingredients and some seasonings.

In fact, there is scope for you to be creative! Let your pork chops simmer and add your mandarin oranges. The chops will soak up the fruity flavor perfectly. In just 10 minutes, your dish will be ready! 

3. Four-Fruit Compote

You will love the aroma and taste of this four fruit compote side dish. The crisp fruits taste wonderful in the light sauce and not only that, but the dish looks great on any table too.

You can use a mixture of fruits, but we recommend bananas, pineapples, apples, and mandarin oranges. You can prepare this dish any time of the year to help you get a healthy dose of vitamins inside you.

4. Spinach Mandarin Orange Pizza

Do you like sweet and savory pizza? If so, you have to give this spinach mandarin orange pizza a try!

This recipe sees mandarin oranges, leafy spinach, cream cheese and pepperoni all topped onto a supreme crisp pizza crust. Of course, you can remove the meat if you are a vegetarian.

And, if you love your orange flavors, there’s even an extra spoonful of marmalade thrown in. 

5. Mandarin Prosciutto Bruschetta

It doesn’t get much tastier than this mandarin Prosciutto bruschetta. Prosciutto is naturally salty and a perfect match for fruit, in particular, mandarins.

The freshness of the fruit brings out the savory flavor and then there is that famous combo of mandarin oranges with Italian ham.

All loaded on top of crispy bruschetta, the finishing touch is a dollop of shallot chutney. Majestic!

6. Arctic Orange Pie

Another quick and easy recipe, this arctic orange pie is frosty and loved by anyone who tries it. As well as mandarin oranges, you can try pineapple juice, mango, and lemonade, but start with mandarins.

This dessert is perfect for when the weather is hot but make more than you think you need because you will want more every time!

7. Citrus Steak Salad

Just one sight of this dish and you will be salivating. If you have many guests coming over soon, this citrus steak salad is a great option to make and serve.

Although the calorie count can be a little high, the fruits and salad are exceptionally healthy. Best of all, though, it’s super easy to prepare! Trust us, your guests will appreciate your “hard” work making this salad.

8. Mandarin Smoothie

Now for something a little different. This mandarin breakfast smoothie is the perfect way to start your day. It is extremely healthy and extraordinarily tasty.

With mandarins, bananas, yogurt, and flaxseeds, it’s full to the brim with healthy, nutritious ingredients. When blended, it is wonderfully creamy and bursting at the seams with vitamin C.

You can also use nut milk in place of the standard milk and a dairy-free yogurt instead of the yogurt if you are lactose intolerant or vegan. 

9. Orange And Avocado Salad

Does your family have a Mexican night of the week? Well, if not, you need to start and add this salad as a tasty side!

This salad offers a sumptuous combination of juicy mandarin oranges, creamy avocado, and string red onion flavors, all tossed into a bright citrusy dressing.

A perfect side dish that compliments main meals and a great option to serve as a platter for guests. 

10. Sesame Shrimp & Rice

Convenient and quick to make, this sesame shrimp and rice recipe is a great option if you need to impress some last minute guests.

It is super flavorful and can be ready, on your table within just a few minutes. Simple and light, we are sure you and your guests will enjoy this dish. 

11. Ham & Mandarin Salad

As you can probably guess already, mandarin oranges go very well in all kinds of salads with all kinds of ingredients. This ham and mandarin salad is no exception.

If you want something sweet, spicy, and tangy, but also healthy, then this salad may be the one for you. 

12. Orange Fluff Salad

Okay, this may be called a “salad” but don’t confuse it with your idea of a bowl of leafy goodness. This orange fluff salad is far from your typical leafy salad.

In fact, it is a pudding made from mandarin oranges, marshmallows, cool whip, and jello. In other words, it’s a decadent after that will prove to be a hit with any dessert fan.

13. Strawberry And Mandarin Salad

Summer is a time for lounging outdoors and drinking cold, refreshing beverages.

Oh, it’s also a time to enjoy this strawberry and mandarin salad! Cheap and easy to prepare, you can set this salad up in no time and easily please your guests every time. 

14. Makeover Fruit Pizza

Most of us love desserts but too often than not, eating a full dessert comes with a tinge of guilt.

The good news is that this makeover fruit pizza comes guilt-free as it is supremely healthy, refreshing, and, most importantly, delicious.

Topped with colorful fruits, this will be the healthiest, lowest calorie “pizza” you will ever have. Compared to traditional fruit pizzas, this has half the fat and calories, too. So, get making! 

15. Mandarin Orange Pancakes

Another very tasty recipe that is quick and easy to make, these mandarin orange pancakes will start your day off in the best way possible. Using pancake mix, this recipe is totally hassle-free.

You just pour the mix into a hot pan and layer with mandarin oranges. Then, flip it over until perfectly golden brown. The result? Airy, thick pancakes with a delicious layer of refreshing mandarin goodness inside. 

16. Mandarin Orange Cupcakes

This recipe is for all the citrus lovers out there! There is no doubt that you will get your vitamin C dosage with this tasty recipe.

These mandarin orange cupcakes are fun to make and even more fun to eat!

They consist of a very moist mandarin sponge with a topping of whipped cream that has been infused with mandarin. So, yeah, a mandarin lover’s dream come true!

17. Mandarin Orange Chicken Salad

Take your salads to the next level with this mandarin orange chicken salad recipe. Yes, chicken salads are all well and good but you want something more exciting than that!

Thankfully, this recipe is the answer with the addition of Dijon mustard and sweet mandarin oranges.

All you need are five simple ingredients and you have yourself an incredible nutritious meal that can be enjoyed for lunch or dinner.

18. Pineapple Orange Trifle

Whether you are looking for a dessert for Easter, a birthday, or the holidays, this pineapple orange trifle is the answer.

Every time your guests tuck into this delight, they will be in awe. With pineapple, mandarins, and coconut, this trifle has a particular tropical flavor and every spoonful is heavenly. 

19. Old-Fashioned Fruit Compote

Sometimes, you have to revisit Grandma’s recipes, and there is no better example than this old-fashioned fruit compote recipe.

If you’re looking for something to pair with your Holiday ham, turkey, or goose, then this fruit compote will do the job.

It is an ideal fruit side that will warm your taste buds every time without fail. And, you can prepare it on the day or reheat the next day before you serve it out. 

20. Fruit Salad

Fruit salads are a great way for you to be expressive and creative with the ingredients you use. Yes, many are plain and boring but yours doesn’t have to be!

From the fruits to the sauce you use, this fruit salad recipe is perfect as a summer dessert. This particular recipe includes an orchestra of colorful fruits within a delicious peach pie dressing.

Trust us, peach pie and mandarin oranges are one of the best combos we have ever tried!

21. Mandarin Pork Stir-Fry

If you love Asian cuisine, you will adore this mandarin pork stir fry recipe. This is an especially great recipe if you’re on a tight budget.

You just need to gather a few leftovers and add them with ramen noodles. Whether you use uncooked pork loin or leftover pork is up to you too.

For precooked pork, though, just reheat it with your other ingredients. When you’re finished, this recipe can feed around four to six people.

22. Mandarin Orange Muffins With Greek Yogurt

When you’re in the mood for something sweet and moist, these mandarin orange muffins with Greek yogurt are a great place to start… And end!

Treat your taste buds with the string aroma of citrus in this batter and the creamiest of yogurts. Topped with a light sprinkling of orange peel, these muffins are as beautiful to look at as they are tasty to eat.

23. BBQ Pork Salad

If you’re like us, you don’t want a hot dinner regularly when the weather is warm during the summer months. You want something light and easy to eat, like this BBQ pork salad.

Although light, it is hearty enough to fill you sufficiently every time! Serve in a glass bowl and your guests will feel like they are being wined and dined at the fanciest of restaurants.

And, let’s not forget that it is ridiculously tasty! 

Frequently Asked Questions 

I Have Too Many Mandarin Oranges. What Can I Do With Them? 

If you have extra mandarin oranges and don’t want to waste them, you can put them to good use. For instance, you can make a mandarin orange jam, or mandarin orange green tea.

We love to make mandarin orange salad dressing and even mandarin range potpourri to fill the home with a fresh, mandarin aroma. You can even create a mandarin orange vinegar cleaning solution to use around your home.

Are Mandarin Oranges Very Healthy?

Mandarins are extremely healthy as they contain a whole host of vitamins, such as vitamins A and B, and a very high level of vitamin C, which is a strong antioxidant that fights free radicals and prevents cramps, vomiting, and infections.

It is also beneficial for your skin health. 

Can You Freeze Mandarin Oranges?

Yes, it is possible to freeze mandarin oranges. In fact, you can freeze the fruit for up to 10 months.

Generally speaking, fresh mandarin oranges tend to freeze for longer than their tinned counterparts due to the difference in texture. 

Do Mandarin Oranges Have A High Sugar Content?

Mandarin oranges are overall very healthy. Typically, they only provide around 12 grams of carbohydrates per fruit (one medium-sized mandarin) and have approximately 47 calories.

In terms of natural sugars, mandarin oranges also have a low content with about 9.3 grams on average in each medium-sized fruit. 

Can Mandarin Oranges Help You Lose Weight?

Mandarin oranges contain more insoluble fiber than many other fruits.

This type of fiber passes through your digestive system without breaking down and is associated with decreasing the likelihood of chronic diseases and could even aid in weight loss.