why make this recipe
Easy Mandarin Chicken Salad is a perfect dish when you want something light, fresh, and full of flavor. It combines juicy chicken, crunchy vegetables, and sweet mandarin oranges, all topped off with a simple dressing. This salad not only satisfies your hunger but also brightens your day with its vibrant colors and flavors. It’s great for lunch, dinner, or even a picnic!
how to make Easy Mandarin Chicken Salad
Ingredients:
- 2 cups Cooked Chicken Breast (Shredded or diced)
- 1 can Mandarin Oranges (Drained)
- 4 cups Mixed Salad Greens (Includes spinach, arugula, or romaine)
- 1 Red Bell Pepper (Diced)
- 1 medium Cucumber (Sliced)
- 2 Green Onions (Thinly sliced)
- 2 tablespoons Sesame Seeds (For garnish)
- 1 tablespoon Honey (For dressing)
- 2 tablespoons Soy Sauce (Low-sodium preferred)
- 2 tablespoons Olive Oil (For dressing)
- 1 tablespoon Rice Vinegar (For dressing)
Directions:
- Prepare the chicken by seasoning it with salt and pepper. Grill or sauté until fully cooked, about 6-8 minutes per side. Cool and shred or dice.
- Rinse the mixed salad greens under cold water and dry them before placing them in a large mixing bowl.
- Dice the red bell pepper and slice the cucumber. Add these vegetables to the bowl with the salad greens.
- Add the drained mandarin oranges to the mixing bowl, folding them in gently.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together honey, soy sauce, olive oil, rice vinegar, salt, and pepper until smooth.
- Pour the dressing over the salad and toss gently to coat all ingredients.
- Sprinkle sesame seeds on top for added texture and flavor.
- Serve immediately or store in the fridge for up to an hour, keeping the dressing separate until serving.
- Plate the salad and garnish with additional sesame seeds or green onion slices.
- Enjoy as a light meal or pair with whole grain bread or rice.
how to serve Easy Mandarin Chicken Salad
Serve the Easy Mandarin Chicken Salad in a large bowl or on individual plates. You can enjoy it on its own or with added protein like grilled shrimp or tofu. It also pairs nicely with whole grain bread or brown rice for a heartier meal.
how to store Easy Mandarin Chicken Salad
Store the Easy Mandarin Chicken Salad in an airtight container in the fridge. It’s best enjoyed fresh but can be kept for up to one hour if you separate the dressing. If you mix the dressing in, try to consume it on the same day for the best flavor and texture.
tips to make Easy Mandarin Chicken Salad
- For quicker prep, use store-bought rotisserie chicken instead of cooking your own.
- Customize the salad with other favorite vegetables such as carrots or bell peppers.
- If you prefer less sweetness, you can reduce the honey in the dressing or omit it entirely.
- Add nuts like almonds or cashews for extra crunch and flavor.
variation
You can make a vegetarian version of the salad by omitting the chicken and adding chickpeas or beans for protein. You can also play with the dressing by adding ginger or sesame oil for a different taste.
FAQs
1. Can I use frozen chicken instead of cooked?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken. Just make sure to cook it thoroughly before shredding or dicing.
2. How long can I store the salad?
It is best to eat the salad within a few hours after preparing it. If stored in the fridge, it can last up to a day, but it’s best to keep the dressing separate until you’re ready to eat.
3. What can I use instead of mandarin oranges?
You can use other fruits like sliced apples, pears, or even grapefruit slices as a substitute for mandarin oranges.
Easy Mandarin Chicken Salad
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Diet: Paleo
Description
A light and fresh salad combining juicy chicken, crunchy vegetables, and sweet mandarin oranges, topped with a simple dressing.
Ingredients
- 2 cups Cooked Chicken Breast (Shredded or diced)
- 1 can Mandarin Oranges (Drained)
- 4 cups Mixed Salad Greens (Includes spinach, arugula, or romaine)
- 1 Red Bell Pepper (Diced)
- 1 medium Cucumber (Sliced)
- 2 Green Onions (Thinly sliced)
- 2 tablespoons Sesame Seeds (For garnish)
- 1 tablespoon Honey (For dressing)
- 2 tablespoons Soy Sauce (Low-sodium preferred)
- 2 tablespoons Olive Oil (For dressing)
- 1 tablespoon Rice Vinegar (For dressing)
Instructions
- Prepare the chicken by seasoning it with salt and pepper. Grill or sauté until fully cooked, about 6-8 minutes per side. Cool and shred or dice.
- Rinse the mixed salad greens under cold water and dry them before placing them in a large mixing bowl.
- Dice the red bell pepper and slice the cucumber. Add these vegetables to the bowl with the salad greens.
- Add the drained mandarin oranges to the mixing bowl, folding them in gently.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together honey, soy sauce, olive oil, rice vinegar, salt, and pepper until smooth.
- Pour the dressing over the salad and toss gently to coat all ingredients.
- Sprinkle sesame seeds on top for added texture and flavor.
- Serve immediately or store in the fridge for up to an hour, keeping the dressing separate until serving.
- Plate the salad and garnish with additional sesame seeds or green onion slices.
Notes
For quicker prep, use store-bought rotisserie chicken. Customize with other favorite vegetables or nuts for added crunch.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: Mixing
- Cuisine: American