Can I use milk chocolate or white chocolate instead of dark chocolate?

Yes! You can swap in milk or white chocolate if you prefer a sweeter flavor. Just keep in mind that milk and white chocolate melt more quickly, so use a lower heat setting and stir often to prevent scorching.

How far in advance can I make these?

These are best made the same day you plan to serve them for the freshest, juiciest bite. If you need to make them ahead, store them in a single layer in an airtight container in the fridge and enjoy within 24 hours.

Can I use other nuts instead of pistachios?

Definitely! Crushed almonds, walnuts, pecans, or even hazelnuts make a delicious swap. You can also skip the nuts entirely for a nut-free version and add shredded coconut or a sprinkle of sea salt instead.

Drizzled Dark Chocolate Pistachio Mandarin Oranges

Name: Dark Chocolate Drizzled Pistachio Mandarin Oranges
Prep time: 5 min
Total time: 5 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 4 Clementines or Mandarin Oranges peeled and separated into sections.; 1 1/2 ounces of dark chocolate chips.; 1 1/2 Tablespoons of finely chopped pistachio nuts.

Description

Do you ever find yourself craving sweet treats in the afternoon but want something a little lighter than the usual indulgent food?

That’s exactly how this new recipe came about—my family loves fresh fruit, especially juicy mandarin oranges, but I wanted to dress them up into something that felt special.

Ingredients

Units Scale

4 Clementines or Mandarin Oranges peeled and separated into sections.
1 1/2 ounces of dark chocolate chips.
1 1/2 Tablespoons of finely chopped pistachio nuts.

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Instructions

Line a sheet pan with a silicone mat or parchment paper. Arrange orange slices on your mat, spaced slightly apart.
In a small microwave safe bowl microwave dark chocolate chips with a teaspoon on coconut oil for 30 seconds up to 1 minute, stopping every 20 seconds to stir until fully melted.
Take your pistachios and crush them in a small food processor like the mini Ninja chopper.
Drizzle the melted chocolate over the orange slices and then sprinkle with crumbles pistachios. Place in the refrigerator until set, about 5 minutes.
Ready to eat!! Enjoy your snack...

Notes

1. Use High-Quality Chocolate
Choose a dark chocolate with at least 53% cocoa for a rich, smooth drizzle that balances the natural sweetness of the clementines. Melt it slowly using a double boiler or in the microwave in 20-second bursts to avoid burning.

2. Pat Clementines Dry
Moisture is the enemy of chocolate coating. After peeling and segmenting the clementines, pat them completely dry with a paper towel to ensure the chocolate sticks well and doesn’t seize.

3. Toast the Pistachios
Briefly toasting pistachios before chopping enhances their nutty flavor and makes them extra crunchy. Just 5 minutes in a dry skillet or oven will do the trick—then chop them while they’re still warm for maximum aroma.

4. Drizzle, Don’t Dip
Drizzling chocolate instead of dipping keeps the clementines light and less messy, plus you get the perfect chocolate-to-fruit ratio. Use a small spoon or piping bag for precision.

5. Chill to Set, Serve Fresh
Place the tray in the fridge for about 10–15 minutes just until the chocolate sets, but serve them the same day for the freshest, juiciest bite. If storing, keep them in a single layer in the fridge to avoid sticking.

Prep Time: 5 Minutes
Cook Time: 0 Minutes
Category: Dessert
Method: No Bake
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 slice
Calories: 16
Sugar: 1.6 g
Sodium: 0.3 mg
Fat: 0.8 g
Carbohydrates: 2.2 g
Protein: 0.3 g
Cholesterol: 0.1 mg