Mandarin Chicken Salad: Fresh, Crunchy & Bursting with Flavor
If you think salads are boring, this one will change your mind.
This Mandarin Chicken Salad is colorful, juicy, crunchy, sweet, and a little tangy, the perfect mix of flavors and textures in every bite. It’s packed with grilled chicken, sweet mandarin oranges, crispy veggies, creamy feta, and crunchy almonds. Best of all? It’s healthy, easy to make, and super satisfying.
Great for busy lunches, light dinners, or even meal prep. Let’s make salad exciting again.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Here’s everything you need for this delicious salad (serves 4):
- 2 cups grilled chicken breast, shredded
- 1 cup mandarin oranges, drained (fresh or canned in juice)
- 4 cups mixed greens (spinach, arugula, romaine)
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
- 1 cucumber, thinly sliced
- ¼ red onion, thinly sliced
- ¼ cup fresh cilantro, chopped
- ½ cup feta cheese, crumbled
- ½ cup slivered almonds, toasted
For the Dressing:
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
- 1 tablespoon honey
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Quick Time List:
Prep Time
10 Minutes
Cook Time
10 Minutes
Total Time
20 Minutes
Healthy Alternatives
Swap store-bought dressing for a homemade one with olive oil, rice vinegar, and a touch of honey or mustard. Use grilled or baked chicken breast to keep it lean. Add more greens like spinach or arugula for extra fiber and nutrients. For a lower-carb option, skip the crispy noodles or croutons. You can also use tofu or edamame instead of chicken for a vegetarian version.
How to Make Mandarin Chicken Salad (Step-by-Step)
Step 1: Grill or Prep the Chicken
If you’re starting with raw chicken, season it with a bit of olive oil, salt, and pepper. Grill or pan-cook for 6–7 minutes per side, or until done (165°F). Let cool, then shred with two forks.
Time-saving tip: Use store-bought rotisserie chicken or leftover chicken!
✅ Step 2: Prepare the Veggies
Wash and dry your greens. Slice the cucumber, dice the bell pepper, and thinly slice the red onion.
Step 3: Mix the Dressing
In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, rice vinegar, honey, salt, and pepper until smooth.
Step 4: Assemble the Salad
In a large bowl, toss together the greens, veggies, and chicken. Add in the mandarin oranges, feta, almonds, and cilantro.
Step 5: Dress and Serve
Right before serving, drizzle the dressing over the salad. Gently toss to coat everything evenly. Serve fresh!
Tips & Variations
- Make it vegetarian: Use grilled tofu or chickpeas instead of chicken.
- Add grains: Serve over quinoa or brown rice for a heartier meal.
- Make it spicy: Add sliced jalapeños or a splash of Sriracha to the dressing.
- Dairy-free: Swap feta with avocado or skip cheese entirely.
- Nut-free: Use sunflower seeds or crispy wonton strips instead of almonds.
Storage & Meal Prep
- Store separately: Keep greens, chicken, and dressing in separate containers for up to 3 days in the fridge.
- Make ahead: Grill the chicken and chop veggies in advance.
- No soggy greens: Always dress the salad just before eating.
Why You’ll Love This
You’ll love this Mandarin Chicken Salad because it’s the perfect balance of sweet and savory, thanks to juicy mandarin oranges and tender chicken. It’s packed with crunchy goodness from cabbage, carrots, and almonds, making each bite refreshing and satisfying. Best of all, it comes together in just 20 minutes, perfect for busy days. This light and fresh salad is ideal for warm weather, and it’s also great for meal prep or packing into lunchboxes for a healthy, flavorful option.
Conclusion
This salad is a flavor bomb sweet, savory, and refreshing. Juicy mandarin oranges meet crisp greens and tender chicken. Tossed in a light dressing, it’s perfect for lunch or light dinners. Fresh, fast, and full of feel-good vibes.