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Mandarin Chicken Salad

Crispy Mandarin Chicken Salad That Brightens Your Day

This Mandarin Chicken Salad is a colorful and healthy meal that combines juicy mandarin oranges and tender chicken for a refreshing dish.
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 20 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Chicken
Cuisine: Asian
Calories: 350

Ingredients
  

For the Salad
  • 2 cups cooked boneless skinless chicken breast use grilled or rotisserie chicken for convenience
  • 4 cups Romaine lettuce or shredded cabbage/cole slaw mix
  • 0.25 cup cilantro omit if not a fan; parsley works as a substitution
  • 1 medium red pepper feel free to use any bell pepper variety
  • 1 cup mandarin oranges peeled and chopped, fresh or canned
  • 2 scallions green onions chives can be an alternative for a subtler taste
For the Dressing
  • 2 tablespoons toasted sesame oil olive oil can be a substitute
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil avocado oil is a suitable substitute
  • 3 tablespoons low sodium soy sauce or coconut aminos for gluten-free option
  • 2 tablespoons rice vinegar apple cider vinegar can work as a substitute
  • 1 tablespoon honey adjust to taste; maple syrup is a vegan replacement
  • 1 clove garlic minced
  • 1 teaspoon ginger grated; dried ginger can replace fresh

Equipment

  • Bowl
  • whisk
  • tongs
  • knife
  • Cutting Board

Method
 

Step-by-Step Instructions
  1. In a medium bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, toasted sesame oil, olive oil, rice vinegar, and honey until smooth. Add the minced garlic and grated ginger. Whisk until well combined and let sit for a few minutes.
  2. In a large mixing bowl, layer the salad with chopped romaine, sliced red pepper, and chopped green onions. Add the mandarin oranges and diced chicken, gently mixing with tongs to ensure even distribution.
  3. Pour the dressing over the salad and toss together with tongs until everything is evenly coated. Serve immediately and garnish with optional toppings like toasted almonds or crispy wonton strips.
  4. Taste the salad mixture. Adjust sweetness with more honey if desired or thin the dressing with a teaspoon of warm water if too thick.
  5. For leftovers, store salad components separately for up to 3 days in airtight containers, keeping the dressing in a sealed jar.

Nutrition

Serving: 1servingCalories: 350kcalCarbohydrates: 20gProtein: 25gFat: 20gSaturated Fat: 3gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 15gCholesterol: 60mgSodium: 500mgPotassium: 600mgFiber: 3gSugar: 5gVitamin A: 500IUVitamin C: 30mgCalcium: 50mgIron: 2mg

Notes

This Mandarin Chicken Salad is versatile; feel free to add your favorite veggies or swap proteins for custom flavor profiles.

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