Description
This Easy Mandarin Chicken Salad is a vibrant and refreshing dish that combines tender grilled chicken with juicy mandarin oranges and crisp vegetables. Tossed in a tangy honey-soy dressing and garnished with sesame seeds, it’s perfect for a light lunch or dinner that is both flavorful and nutritious.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken
- 2 cups Cooked Chicken Breast (Shredded or diced)
Produce
- 4 cups Mixed Salad Greens (Includes spinach, arugula, or romaine)
- 1 Red Bell Pepper (Diced)
- 1 medium Cucumber (Sliced)
- 2 Green Onions (Thinly sliced)
Fruit
- 1 can Mandarin Oranges (Drained)
Dressing & Garnish
- 1 tablespoon Honey
- 2 tablespoons Soy Sauce (Low-sodium preferred)
- 2 tablespoons Olive Oil
- 1 tablespoon Rice Vinegar
- 2 tablespoons Sesame Seeds (For garnish)
- Salt and Pepper (to taste)
Instructions
- Cook the Chicken: Season the chicken breast with salt and pepper. Grill or sauté the chicken until fully cooked, approximately 6-8 minutes per side. Once cooked, allow it to cool before shredding or dicing into bite-sized pieces.
- Prepare the Greens: Rinse the mixed salad greens thoroughly under cold water to remove any dirt or grit. Dry them well using a salad spinner or paper towels, then place them in a large mixing bowl.
- Add Vegetables: Dice the red bell pepper and slice the cucumber into thin rounds. Incorporate these fresh vegetables into the bowl with the greens.
- Add Mandarins: Drain the mandarin oranges well to avoid sogginess. Gently fold them into the salad mixture to maintain their shape and juiciness.
- Make the Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together honey, low-sodium soy sauce, olive oil, rice vinegar, salt, and pepper until you achieve a smooth, well-emulsified dressing.
- Toss the Salad: Pour the prepared dressing over the salad ingredients. Toss gently but thoroughly to ensure all the components are nicely coated without bruising the mandarins.
- Garnish: Sprinkle sesame seeds over the top of the salad for a delightful crunch and nutty flavor.
- Store if Needed: You can serve the salad immediately or store it in the refrigerator for up to one hour. Keep the dressing separate until ready to serve to maintain freshness.
- Plate and Garnish: When ready to serve, plate the salad and add extra sesame seeds or green onion slices as a finishing touch for visual appeal and added flavor.
- Serve: Enjoy this salad as a light, satisfying meal on its own or pair it with whole grain bread or rice for a more filling option.
Notes
- Use low-sodium soy sauce to keep the sodium content moderate.
- For added texture, consider adding toasted almonds or crispy wonton strips as a topping.
- This salad is best served fresh; if preparing ahead, keep dressing separate until just before serving.
- Leftover salad without dressing can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours.
- Grilling the chicken adds a smoky flavor, but sautéing is a quicker alternative.
