Oh my gosh, if you’re looking for that perfect combination of sweet, savory, and refreshing, this mandarin orange chicken salad recipe is about to become your new best friend. It’s my go-to lunch during those unbearably hot summer afternoons – I first fell in love with it at a little cafe near my aunt’s house years ago, and after begging the owner for hints, I’ve been making my own version ever since.
What makes this salad so magical? Well first off – juicy mandarin oranges bursting with sunshine flavor against tender chicken. Then there’s the crunch from toasted almonds (trust me, don’t skip toasting them!). And the best part? It comes together in about 15 minutes flat – perfect for when you need something healthy but don’t want to spend hours in the kitchen.
Last summer I must have made this twice a week – it’s that good cold straight from the fridge after a morning at the beach. The sesame ginger dressing ties everything together beautifully without overpowering those bright citrus notes. Honestly, I’m getting hungry just thinking about it!
Why You’ll Love This Mandarin Orange Chicken Salad Recipe
Listen, I don’t just toss this salad together on repeat for no reason—it’s seriously the MVP of my lunch rotation. Here’s why you’ll be obsessed too:
- Lightning fast: 15 minutes from fridge to fork—even my hangry teenager can’t complain about that
- Flavor fireworks: Sweet oranges, savory chicken, and that sesame ginger dressing? Pure magic
- Nutrition that doesn’t suck: Packed with protein and veggies but tastes like you’re cheating
- Endlessly adaptable: Swap in grilled shrimp, add avocado, or go nuts with extra crunchies
This isn’t some sad diet salad—it’s the kind of meal that makes you feel amazing while eating every single bite.
Ingredients for Mandarin Orange Chicken Salad Recipe
Okay, let’s gather our cast of characters – these ingredients are absolute non-negotiables for that perfect flavor balance:
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded (I use rotisserie when I’m lazy)
- 1 can (11 oz) mandarin oranges, thoroughly drained (save the juice for cocktails!)
- 4 cups mixed greens – my favorite combo is baby spinach + butter lettuce
- 1/2 cup sliced almonds, because crunch is life
- 1/4 cup red onion, paper-thin slices (soak in ice water for 5 mins if you hate raw onion bite)
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, roughly chopped (skip if you’re that person who thinks it tastes like soap)
- 1/4 cup sesame ginger dressing – store-bought is fine but I’ll share my homemade version someday
Ingredient Substitutions & Notes
Look, I get it – sometimes you gotta improvise. Here’s how to riff on this salad without ruining it:
- Chicken: Grilled chicken thighs add amazing smoky flavor, or use leftover Thanksgiving turkey in a pinch
- Crunch factor: Toasted almonds are my jam, but sunflower seeds or crispy wonton strips work too
- Fruit swap: Fresh orange segments when mandarins aren’t in season (just remove all the pith!)
- Bonus adds: I sometimes throw in avocado slices or edamame when I’m feeling fancy
- Dressing hack: Out of sesame ginger? A simple mix of olive oil + rice vinegar + honey does the trick
Remember – this salad forgives almost any substitution except soggy oranges. Drain those mandarins like your life depends on it!
How to Make Mandarin Orange Chicken Salad Recipe
Alright friends, let’s get mixing! This is where the magic happens – I promise it’s so simple you could do it with your eyes closed (though maybe don’t test that theory with sharp knives around). Here’s how I put together my favorite salad:
- Prep your greens: Give those mixed greens a good spin in the salad spinner – nobody wants soggy lettuce. Tear any large leaves into bite-sized pieces.
- Build your base: In your biggest, prettiest bowl (presentation matters!), layer the greens, shredded chicken, and drained mandarin oranges. Scatter the almonds, red onion, and cilantro over the top like you’re decorating a cake.
- Dress to impress: Here’s where people mess up – drizzle that sesame ginger dressing around the edges of the bowl first, not right on top. About 1/4 cup is perfect to start – you can always add more!
- The magic touch: Using clean hands (my grandma’s trick) or salad tongs, gently toss everything together. You want everything lightly coated, not drowned. Serve immediately before the greens start wilting.
Tips for Success
After making this salad approximately 4,782 times, here are my hard-earned secrets:
- Toast those almonds while prepping other ingredients – just 5 minutes in a dry pan makes them 100x better
- Chill your dressing if you’re making ahead – cold dressing keeps the greens crisp
- Undress your salad (wait, that sounds weird) – only dress what you’ll eat immediately or it gets soggy
- Watch the salt – between the dressing and chicken, you rarely need extra
Oh! And if you’re taking this to a potluck? Pack everything separately and assemble on-site – you’ll be the salad hero of the party.
Serving Suggestions for Mandarin Orange Chicken Salad
This salad shines brightest when you treat it like the main event it is! For weeknight dinners, I love pairing it with crispy wonton strips sprinkled on top – the extra crunch makes it feel indulgent. When I’m craving something heartier, a scoop of warm jasmine rice on the side soaks up that delicious dressing perfectly.
It’s also my secret weapon for summer gatherings – just pack the undressed ingredients in a portable container with ice packs, and you’ve got the most refreshing picnic lunch that’ll have everyone begging for the recipe. Bonus points if you serve it in those cute Chinese takeout boxes!
Storage & Reheating
Here’s the deal with leftovers – and I speak from sad experience here! Always store your undressed salad and dressing separately in airtight containers. The greens will stay crisp for about a day this way. And please, whatever you do, don’t try to reheat this salad – cold and fresh is the only way it tastes right. The oranges turn weirdly mushy when warmed up (learned that the hard way during a misguided microwave experiment last summer).
Nutritional Information
Now listen, I’m no nutritionist, but I did the math on this salad because my fitness-obsessed niece kept asking! Important disclaimer: These numbers can change based on your specific ingredients and brands. But generally, one generous serving gives you about:
- 320 calories
- 24g protein (hello, chicken!)
- 22g carbs (mostly from those sweet oranges)
- 18g healthy fats (thank you, almonds and dressing)
Not too shabby for a meal that tastes this good, right? I call that a win-win situation for both your taste buds and your body.
Frequently Asked Questions
I get asked about this mandarin orange chicken salad recipe ALL the time – here are the most common questions with my tried-and-true answers:
Can I use fresh oranges instead of canned mandarins?
Absolutely! Just make sure to peel and segment them carefully – remove all that white pith since it can be bitter. Pro tip: Use a serrated knife and cut between the membranes for perfect little citrus jewels.
How can I make this salad vegan?
Easy peasy! Swap the chicken for crispy tofu or chickpeas, and use a vegan sesame dressing. The mandarin oranges and almonds already make it naturally plant-based friendly.
Will this salad keep overnight?
Only if you store components separately! Greens + dressing = sad, soggy mess. But if you keep everything apart in airtight containers, you can assemble fresh servings for 1-2 days.
What if I don’t have sesame ginger dressing?
No sweat! Whisk together 2 tbsp soy sauce, 1 tbsp honey, 1 tbsp rice vinegar, and 1 tsp sesame oil for a quick homemade version in a pinch.
Can I add noodles to make it more filling?
Oh heck yes – I love tossing in cold soba noodles or even ramen for extra heartiness. Just cook and cool them first so they don’t wilt your greens!
Share Your Creation!
I’d absolutely love to see your take on this mandarin orange chicken salad! Snap a pic and tag me on Instagram – nothing makes me happier than seeing your kitchen victories. And if you loved it? A five-star rating helps other salad lovers find this recipe too!
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15-Minute Mandarin Orange Chicken Salad Recipe – So Good!
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Low Calorie
Description
A refreshing and flavorful salad featuring tender chicken and juicy mandarin oranges.
Ingredients
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded
- 1 can mandarin oranges, drained
- 4 cups mixed greens
- 1/2 cup sliced almonds
- 1/4 cup red onion, thinly sliced
- 1/4 cup cilantro, chopped
- 1/4 cup sesame ginger dressing
Instructions
- In a large bowl, combine mixed greens, shredded chicken, mandarin oranges, almonds, red onion, and cilantro.
- Drizzle with sesame ginger dressing.
- Toss gently to coat evenly.
- Serve immediately.
Notes
- For extra crunch, toast the almonds before adding.
- Substitute grilled chicken for a smokier flavor.
- Add avocado slices for creaminess.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: Asian-Inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 12g
- Sodium: 280mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 22g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 24g
- Cholesterol: 65mg
Keywords: mandarin orange chicken salad, easy salad recipe, healthy lunch
