I’m always experimenting with new salad dressings, especially during “salad week” after overindulging or eating out while traveling. This copycat TGI Friday’s Mandarin Orange Sesame Dressing is a favorite—bright, slightly sweet, and nutty. I like that the recipe includes chopped mandarin oranges for a bit of texture, and I often add mandarin segments to the salad so the flavors come together. Orange marmalade and honey tame the intensity of sesame oil; the sesame flavor is strong, so feel free to reduce it if you prefer a milder taste.
The Perfect Balance
This homemade version of TGI Friday’s Mandarin Orange Sesame Dressing ranks among the best dressings we’ve made. It’s versatile—use it to dress a salad, as a dipping sauce for chicken nuggets or tenders, or as a flavorful dip for raw vegetables. The combination of sweet citrus, savory soy, and toasted sesame creates a balanced, memorable sauce.
I like using small dipping cups for portion control when serving richer dressings. They work well for nuggets or wings, and they keep serving sizes reasonable for dressings like this one that have a concentrated flavor.
For more salad dressing inspiration, visit my new site, Dress My Salad, where I share additional recipes and ideas for mixing up greens and toppings.
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Copycat TGI Friday’s Mandarin Orange Sesame Dressing
Equipment
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Blender
Ingredients
- ⅓ cup orange marmalade
- ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper
- ¼ teaspoon ground ginger
- ¼ teaspoon garlic powder
- ¼ cup white vinegar
- ⅔ cup vegetable oil
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 3 tablespoons sesame oil
- 2 tablespoons honey
- ¼ cup mandarin oranges chopped
Instructions
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Place all ingredients except the chopped mandarin oranges into a blender or food processor and blend until smooth, about 30 seconds.
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Transfer the dressing to a resealable container, stir in the chopped mandarin oranges, cover and refrigerate until ready to use. Stir before serving.
Notes
Nutrition
Nutritional values are approximate.