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
This Mandarin Chicken Salad is all about fresh textures and vibrant flavors, the perfect balance of sweet, savory, and tangy in every bite. Before you toss it all together, let’s make sure you’ve got everything you need.
- 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)
Making this Mandarin Chicken Salad is as easy as it is delicious. With just a few fresh ingredients and simple steps, you’ll have a vibrant, satisfying salad ready in no time. From cooking the chicken to assembling all the crunchy, juicy components, each part comes together quickly for maximum flavor and texture.
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 all your greens. Slice cucumber into thin, even rounds. Dice the bell pepper into small cubes. Thinly slice red onion for sharpness. Keep all vegetables fresh and crisp. Place them aside in a bowl.
Step 3: Mix the Dressing
Grab a small bowl for mixing. Pour in olive oil and vinegar. Add honey, salt, and black pepper. Whisk until smooth and fully combined. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Set aside until you’re ready to use.
Step 4: Assemble the Salad
In a large bowl, add greens. Toss in all prepped fresh veggies. Add cooked chicken, sliced or shredded. Mix in mandarin oranges and feta. Sprinkle with sliced almonds and cilantro. Gently toss to combine all ingredients.
Step 5: Dress and Serve
Drizzle dressing evenly over the salad. Use tongs to toss it gently. Ensure everything is well-coated throughout. Add extra cilantro for fresh flavor. Serve immediately for best texture results. Enjoy a fresh, crunchy, flavorful bite.
Tips & Variations
Want to make this salad even more your own? With a few easy tweaks and flavor boosts, you can customize it to suit your taste, dietary needs, or what you’ve got on hand. Whether you’re craving extra crunch, going vegetarian, or looking for a new twist on the dressing, the options are endless.
- 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
Planning ahead or saving leftovers? This Mandarin Chicken Salad is perfect for meal prep and stores beautifully with a few simple tips. Whether you’re packing lunches for the week or keeping extra salad on hand, knowing how to store it properly helps maintain freshness and flavor.
- 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.