Mandarin Chicken Salad is a vibrant and refreshing dish that combines tender chicken, juicy mandarin oranges, crisp vegetables, and crunchy toppings all tossed in a flavorful Asian-inspired dressing. It’s light yet satisfying and perfect for lunch, dinner, or a sunny-day potluck.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This salad is the perfect balance of sweet, savory, and crunchy. The mandarin oranges add a burst of citrusy sweetness, while the chicken provides lean protein and richness. It’s easy to make, endlessly customizable, and ideal for meal prep or quick weeknight dinners. Plus, the combination of textures—crisp greens, soft fruit, and crunchy toppings—makes every bite interesting and delicious.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- Cooked chicken breast (grilled, shredded, or rotisserie)
- Romaine lettuce or mixed greens
- Mandarin orange segments (canned or fresh)
- Shredded carrots
- Red bell pepper (sliced)
- Green onions (sliced)
- Slivered almonds or sliced toasted almonds
- Crispy chow mein noodles or wonton strips
- Sesame seeds (optional)
- Asian-style sesame or ginger dressing (store-bought or homemade)
Directions
- Prepare all the ingredients: slice or shred the chicken, drain the mandarin oranges, and chop the vegetables.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the lettuce, carrots, red bell pepper, green onions, and mandarin oranges.
- Add the shredded chicken on top.
- Drizzle with dressing and toss gently to combine.
- Sprinkle with almonds, crispy noodles or wonton strips, and sesame seeds if using.
- Serve immediately, or chill for 1520 minutes for extra refreshment.
Servings and timing
This recipe serves 4.
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 0 minutes (if chicken is pre-cooked)
Total Time: 15 minutes
Variations
- Make It Vegetarian: Skip the chicken and add edamame or tofu for protein.
- Spicy Version: Add sliced jalapeños or a drizzle of sriracha to the dressing.
- Add Noodles: Serve over cold soba or rice noodles for a more filling meal.
- Fruit Twist: Add pineapple, mango, or strawberries for a tropical take.
- Homemade Dressing: Mix soy sauce, rice vinegar, sesame oil, honey, and a dash of ginger for a fresh, DIY version.
storage/reheating
This salad is best eaten fresh, as the greens and crispy toppings can become soggy. If making ahead, store components separately and assemble just before serving. Refrigerate leftovers (without dressing) in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
FAQs
Can I use canned mandarin oranges?
Yes, canned mandarins in juice (not syrup) work perfectly. Drain them well before adding.
What type of chicken should I use?
Grilled, poached, or rotisserie chicken all work well. Use whatever you have on hand.
Is this salad gluten-free?
Yes, if you use gluten-free dressing and omit or replace the chow mein noodles with a gluten-free option.
Can I make this salad ahead of time?
Yes, just keep the dressing and crunchy toppings separate until you’re ready to serve.
What dressing goes best with this salad?
An Asian-style sesame, ginger, or honey soy vinaigrette complements the flavors beautifully.
How do I make this salad more filling?
Add noodles, extra chicken, avocado, or cooked quinoa to bulk it up.
Can I add cheese?
Though not traditional, crumbled feta or goat cheese can add a nice creamy contrast.
What can I use instead of almonds?
Sunflower seeds, cashews, or peanuts are great alternatives.
Can I use fresh mandarin oranges?
Yes, peeled and segmented fresh mandarins (or clementines) add amazing flavor and texture.
How do I keep the salad from getting soggy?
Toss with dressing and add crunchy toppings just before serving for the best texture.
Conclusion
Mandarin Chicken Salad is a fresh and flavorful way to enjoy a healthy, colorful meal that doesn’t sacrifice taste. With sweet citrus, savory chicken, crisp veggies, and crunchy textures all tied together with a zesty dressing, it’s a go-to salad that satisfies any time of year—especially during spring and summer.
Description
This mandarin chicken salad is crisp, refreshing, and packed with flavor. Juicy mandarin oranges, tender chicken, crunchy almonds, and crisp greens come together with a tangy-sweet Asian-inspired dressing. It’s perfect for a light lunch, picnic, or easy weeknight meal.
For the Salad:
For the Dressing:
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In a small bowl or jar, whisk together all the dressing ingredients until well combined. Set aside.
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In a large salad bowl, combine greens, chicken, mandarin oranges, carrots, cabbage, and green onions.
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Drizzle dressing over the salad and toss gently to combine.
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Top with sliced almonds or chow mein noodles and sesame seeds.
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Serve immediately for the best texture and freshness.
