Crunch Time: The Best Mandarin Chicken Salad You’ll Ever Make
This Mandarin Chicken Salad is the ultimate healthy reset. Crunchy, sweet, and ready in 20 minutes with a zesty sesame ginger dressing.
Stop settling for boring, soggy salads. This Mandarin Chicken Salad is the vibrant, crunchy bowl you’ve been waiting for.
It’s finally Spring, and your body is craving something fresh. This recipe delivers a restaurant-quality meal in just 20 minutes. You deserve a lunch that actually tastes like a treat.
Why This Mandarin Chicken Salad Is a Winner
This is the ultimate healthy reset for your busy week. It balances sweet citrus with savory sesame perfectly. You get that satisfying crunch in every single bite.
This recipe is a total crowd-pleaser for a sunny lunch. Your friends will definitely ask for the recipe. Plus, it’s budget-friendly since it uses simple staples.
Easy Cooking Steps
There is zero cooking required for this masterpiece. You just whisk the dressing and toss everything together. It’s so simple, even a beginner can nail it. You’ll have a fresh meal on the table fast.
Simple Ingredients
Most of these items are seasonal produce at its best. Use fresh greens for the ultimate crunch.
- 2 cups cooked chicken breast, shredded
- 4 cups romaine lettuce, chopped
- 1 cup shredded red cabbage
- 1 can (11 ounces) mandarin orange segments, drained
- 1/4 cup green onions, thinly sliced
- 1/4 cup sliced almonds, toasted
- 1/4 cup crispy chow mein noodles
- 1/4 cup rice vinegar
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 1 tablespoon toasted sesame oil
- 1 teaspoon fresh ginger, grated
- 1/4 cup canola oil
Step-by-Step
- Whisk together the rice vinegar, soy sauce, honey, toasted sesame oil, grated ginger, and canola oil in a small bowl until well combined.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the chopped romaine lettuce and shredded red cabbage.
- Add the shredded chicken, drained mandarin oranges, and sliced green onions to the greens.
- Pour the dressing over the salad mixture and toss gently to coat all ingredients evenly.
- Divide onto plates and top each serving with toasted almonds and crispy chow mein noodles immediately before serving.
Best Ways to Enjoy It
Serve this immediately while the noodles are still crispy. Pair it with a chilled green tea or potstickers. It’s the perfect light dinner for a warm evening. You can even serve it in lettuce wraps.
Keep It Fresh
Store the dressing separately to avoid soggy lettuce. The chicken and cabbage mix stays fresh for days. Add the oranges and nuts right before eating. This Mandarin Chicken Salad makes it a meal prep dream. Keep everything in airtight containers.
Pro Tips
- Use a rotisserie chicken to save precious time.
- Toast the almonds for a deeper, nuttier flavor.
- Keep the mandarin oranges chilled until the last second.
- Shred the cabbage thinly for the best texture.
- Whisk the dressing vigorously to emulsify the oils.
- Add the crunchy noodles just before you serve.
Ways to Switch It Up
- Swap the chicken for grilled shrimp or tofu.
- Add sliced avocado for a creamy, rich finish.
- Use kale instead of romaine for extra nutrients.
- Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for heat.
Quick Answers
Can I use rotisserie chicken?
Yes, it’s the best time-saving hack for this salad.
Is this salad gluten-free?
Swap the soy sauce for tamari and skip noodles.
Stop eating boring food and start craving greens! You are going to love every bite of this.
— Jasmine
Ingredients
Method
- Whisk together the rice vinegar, soy sauce, honey, toasted sesame oil, grated ginger, and canola oil in a small bowl until well combined.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the chopped romaine lettuce and shredded red cabbage.
- Add the shredded chicken, drained mandarin oranges, and sliced green onions to the greens.
- Pour the dressing over the salad mixture and toss gently to coat all ingredients evenly.
- Divide onto plates and top each serving with toasted almonds and crispy chow mein noodles immediately before serving.
