Mandarin Chicken Salad

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Mandarin Chicken Salad is a refreshing, vibrant dish that combines sweet, savory, and tangy flavors in every bite. Packed with tender chicken, juicy mandarin oranges, crisp greens, and crunchy toppings, this salad is perfect for lunch, dinner, or entertaining. It’s light yet satisfying, and the homemade dressing ties everything together beautifully.

ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

cooked chicken breast (grilled or shredded)mandarin orange segments (canned or fresh)romaine lettuce or mixed greenssliced almondscrispy chow mein noodlessliced green onionsshredded carrotsred bell pepper (thinly sliced)sesame seeds (optional)

for the dressing

rice vinegarsoy saucesesame oilolive oilhoneyDijon mustardgarlic powderground ginger

directions

In a small bowl or jar, whisk together the rice vinegar, soy sauce, sesame oil, olive oil, honey, Dijon mustard, garlic powder, and ground ginger until well combined. Set aside.

In a large mixing bowl, combine the chopped romaine lettuce or mixed greens, shredded carrots, sliced red bell pepper, and green onions.

Add the cooked chicken breast and mandarin orange segments on top.

Drizzle the dressing over the salad and toss gently to coat all the ingredients evenly.

Top with sliced almonds, crispy chow mein noodles, and sesame seeds for added crunch and flavor.

Serve immediately or chill for 10–15 minutes before serving.

Servings and timing

This recipe serves 4.Preparation time: 15 minutesTotal time: 15 minutes

Variations

Substitute grilled shrimp or tofu for chicken for a pescatarian or vegetarian version.

Add avocado slices for creaminess and healthy fats.

Use napa cabbage or spinach for a different texture.

Add a bit of sriracha or chili flakes to the dressing for a spicy kick.

Use toasted cashews or peanuts instead of almonds.

storage/reheating

Store any leftover salad (undressed) in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days.Dressing can be stored separately for up to 5 days in the refrigerator.Shake or whisk the dressing before using again.

FAQs

Can I use rotisserie chicken?

Yes, rotisserie chicken works great for convenience and flavor.

Are fresh mandarins better than canned?

Fresh mandarins offer a brighter flavor, but canned are a great time-saving option—just drain them well.

Can I make the salad ahead of time?

Yes, just keep the dressing and crunchy toppings separate until ready to serve.

Is this salad gluten-free?

Use gluten-free soy sauce and gluten-free chow mein noodles or omit them for a gluten-free version.

Can I make the dressing creamier?

Add a tablespoon of mayonnaise or Greek yogurt for a creamier texture.

How do I keep the salad from getting soggy?

Toss the salad with dressing just before serving and store ingredients separately if prepping ahead.

Can I double the recipe?

Absolutely, just scale up the ingredients as needed.

What’s the best way to cook chicken for this salad?

Grilling, baking, or poaching chicken breasts all work well—season simply with salt and pepper.

Can I use bagged salad mix?

Yes, bagged salad mixes are convenient and work well in this recipe.

Is it kid-friendly?

Yes, the sweet mandarins and crunchy toppings make it appealing to kids.

Conclusion

Mandarin Chicken Salad is a colorful, delicious way to enjoy a nutritious meal with minimal effort. Its perfect balance of textures and flavors makes it a crowd-pleaser for any occasion. Whip it up in minutes and enjoy a fresh, feel-good dish that never goes out of style.

Print