Mandarin Orange Chicken Salad Recipe

Introduction

This Mandarin Orange Chicken Salad is a vibrant, crunchy, and refreshing dish perfect for any season. Combining crisp cabbage, juicy mandarins, and tender chicken with a tangy homemade dressing, it offers a delicious balance of flavors and textures.

Ingredients

• 4 cups napa cabbage (or green cabbage, shredded)
• 2 cups red cabbage (shredded)
• 1 cup matchstick carrots
• 1 red bell pepper (thinly sliced)
• ⅓ cup green onions or scallions
• 2 cups shredded chicken breast
• 2 mandarin oranges (or clementines)
• ½ cup roasted and salted almonds (chopped)
• Sesame seeds (for topping, optional)
• ¼ cup freshly squeezed orange juice (juice from about 1 ½ mandarins)
• ¼ cup honey
• 3 tablespoons rice vinegar
• 3 tablespoons tamari
• 2 garlic cloves (roughly chopped)
• 2 inch knob fresh ginger (roughly chopped)
• ½ cup sesame oil

Instructions

1. Step 1: Blend the dressing ingredients by combining orange juice, honey, rice vinegar, tamari, garlic, ginger, and sesame oil in a blender. Blend until smooth and set aside.
2. Step 2: In a large bowl, toss together napa cabbage, red cabbage, matchstick carrots, red bell pepper, green onions, and shredded chicken.
3. Step 3: Pour the dressing over the vegetable and chicken mixture. Toss thoroughly to ensure everything is well coated.
4. Step 4: Add mandarin orange slices and chopped almonds to the salad. Gently toss once more, and sprinkle with sesame seeds if desired.
5. Step 5: Serve the salad immediately, or transfer to a glass container and refrigerate for up to 4 days.

Tips & Variations

• For a vegetarian option, substitute the chicken with crispy tofu or chickpeas.
• Use lime juice instead of orange juice for a slightly different citrus flavor.
• Add a handful of fresh cilantro or mint leaves for extra freshness.
• Toasting the almonds lightly enhances their flavor and crunch.

Storage

Store the salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Keep the dressing separate if possible to prevent the vegetables from becoming soggy. When ready to eat, toss again to redistribute the dressing. This salad can be enjoyed cold or at room temperature.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use pre-cooked chicken from the store?

Yes, pre-cooked chicken works well and saves time. Just shred or chop it before adding to the salad.

Can I prepare this salad ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the salad a day ahead. Keep the dressing separate and toss it with the salad just before serving to maintain the best texture.

Mandarin Orange Chicken Salad Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.6 from 83 reviews

A refreshing and vibrant Mandarin Orange Chicken Salad combining shredded napa and red cabbage, crunchy vegetables, tender chicken, and a zesty homemade orange sesame dressing. This salad is topped with mandarin slices, roasted almonds, and optional sesame seeds for a perfect balance of flavors and textures, ideal for a light lunch or dinner.

• Author: Logan
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 0 minutes
• Total Time: 15 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Category: Salad
• Method: Blending
• Cuisine: Asian Fusion
• Diet: Gluten Free

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Salad

• 4 cups napa cabbage (or green cabbage, shredded)
• 2 cups red cabbage (shredded)
• 1 cup matchstick carrots
• 1 red bell pepper (thinly sliced)
• ⅓ cup green onions or scallions (thinly sliced)
• 2 cups shredded chicken breast
• 2 mandarin oranges (or clementines, peeled and sliced)
• ½ cup roasted and salted almonds (chopped)
• Sesame seeds (for topping, optional)

Dressing

• ¼ cup freshly squeezed orange juice (juice from about 1½ mandarin oranges)
• ¼ cup honey
• 3 tablespoons rice vinegar
• 3 tablespoons tamari
• 2 garlic cloves (roughly chopped)
• 2-inch knob fresh ginger (roughly chopped)
• ½ cup sesame oil

Instructions

1. Blend dressing: Add all dressing ingredients—freshly squeezed orange juice, honey, rice vinegar, tamari, garlic, ginger, and sesame oil—into a blender. Blend until the mixture is smooth and emulsified. Set the dressing aside for later use.
2. Toss veggies: In a large bowl, combine the shredded napa cabbage, red cabbage, matchstick carrots, thinly sliced red bell pepper, green onions, and shredded chicken breast. Mix well to evenly distribute all the salad components.
3. Pour dressing over veggies: Pour the prepared orange sesame dressing over the mixed vegetables and chicken in the bowl. Toss thoroughly to ensure every piece is coated with the flavorful dressing.
4. Add mandarin oranges and almonds: Gently fold in the mandarin orange slices and chopped roasted almonds to the salad. Toss lightly again to incorporate without mashing the fruit.
5. Optional garnish: Sprinkle sesame seeds over the top of the salad for added texture and visual appeal, if desired.
6. Serve or store: Serve the salad immediately for the best freshness and taste. Alternatively, transfer it to an airtight glass container and refrigerate for up to 4 days.

Notes

• For best flavor, use freshly shredded cabbage and freshly squeezed orange juice.
• You can substitute tamari with soy sauce if desired, but tamari offers a gluten-free option.
• Adjust the honey amount based on your preferred sweetness level.
• This salad can be served chilled or at room temperature depending on preference.
• Use leftover rotisserie chicken to save prep time.
• For a vegetarian option, omit the chicken and increase nuts or add tofu.
• Ensure the almonds are roasted and salted for extra crunch and flavor; unsalted can be used but will alter the taste.

Keywords: Mandarin Orange Chicken Salad, Asian chicken salad, orange sesame dressing, healthy chicken salad, gluten-free salad