Looking for a fresh and vibrant dish that bursts with flavor and is perfect for any occasion? Look no further than our Mandarin Orange Chicken Salad! This delightful Asian-inspired salad combines tender, shredded chicken with juicy mandarin oranges, crunchy almonds, and a zesty sesame dressing, creating a symphony of textures and tastes that will leave your taste buds dancing. With just 25 minutes of prep and cook time, this recipe is not only quick and easy but also a showstopper at your next gathering or a refreshing lunch option. Dive into this delicious recipe and discover how to elevate your salad game like never before!
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 10 mins
Total Time: 25 mins
Cuisine: Asian
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded
- 2 cups mixed greens
- 1 cup mandarin oranges, drained
- 1/4 cup almonds, sliced
- 1/4 cup sesame dressing
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Begin by preparing all your ingredients. Ensure that the cooked chicken is shredded into bite-sized pieces. Drain the mandarin oranges and set them aside.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the mixed greens and shredded chicken. Toss gently to distribute the chicken evenly throughout the greens.
- Add the drained mandarin oranges to the bowl, being careful to keep them intact as you mix.
- Sprinkle the sliced almonds over the salad for added crunch and flavor.
- Drizzle the sesame dressing over the salad mixture. Start with 1/4 cup and adjust according to your taste preferences.
- Gently toss the salad to ensure all ingredients are well-coated with the dressing. Be careful not to crush the mandarin oranges.
- Season the salad with salt and pepper to taste. Mix again lightly to incorporate the seasoning.
- Once the salad is mixed, transfer it to a serving platter or individual bowls for a beautiful presentation.
- Optionally, you can garnish the salad with additional sliced almonds or mandarin oranges for an appealing look.
- Serve immediately, enjoying the fresh flavors of the mandarin orange chicken salad.
Tips
- Prep Ahead: To save time, you can shred the chicken and prepare the dressing a day in advance. Just store them separately in the fridge until you’re ready to assemble the salad.
- Use Leftover Chicken: This recipe is perfect for using up leftover rotisserie chicken or any cooked chicken you have on hand, making it a great way to reduce waste.
- Customize Your Greens: Feel free to mix and match your greens! Spinach, arugula, or even kale can add unique flavors and textures to your salad.
- Add More Crunch: For extra crunch, consider adding other nuts like walnuts or pecans, or even some crispy chow mein noodles for a delightful twist.
- Dressing Variations: If you want to switch things up, try using a different dressing such as a honey mustard or a citrus vinaigrette to complement the mandarin oranges.
- Garnish for Presentation: Don’t forget to garnish your salad with additional mandarin slices or a sprinkle of sesame seeds for an eye-catching finish.
- Serve Fresh: For the best flavor and texture, serve the salad immediately after tossing. If you need to prepare it in advance, keep the dressing separate until serving. By following these tips, you can create a Mandarin Orange Chicken Salad that’s not only delicious but also visually stunning!
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 310kcal
Carbohydrates: 15g
Protein: 25g
Fat: 18g
Saturated Fat: 3g
Cholesterol: 70mg
