Mandarin Sunshine Chicken Salad
This Chicken and Mandarin Orange Salad is a flavour explosion! Sweet mandarin oranges, savoury chicken & crunchy almonds in a tangy sesame dressing. An easy summer dinner! Get the recipe.
Recipe Introduction
Craving a Quick & Healthy Dinner?
Honestly, who isn't? this chicken and mandarin orange salad recipe is your answer. it's packed with flavour, super easy, and a brilliant way to use up leftover chicken.
You know what i mean? it tastes just like asian chicken salad you might get as recipes for dinner asian .
A Little Sunshine in a Bowl
This isn't just another salad. it's a vibrant, refreshing bite of sunshine! the sweetness of mandarin oranges blends perfectly with the savory chicken and crunchy almonds.
Imagine it as a dinner asian inspired dream! originating as a westernized spin on asian flavors, this salad is beginner-friendly.
It takes about 25 minutes and yields 4 servings – perfect for a family dinner . you could even make salad skewers for a party!
Why You'll Love This Salad
It's so good for you. we're talking lean protein, vitamins, and healthy fats. it's like a health hug in a bowl.
Making it one of the best salads recipes for dinner . serve it up as one of your easy summer dinners on a hot day, or pack it for a healthy lunch.
Honestly, this chicken and mandarin orange salad is special because it's so customisable, easy to make and bursting with flavor.
The homemade peanut dressing adds depth that store-bought just can't match, creating something truly special. it makes for really good asian chicken salads .
Now, let's get to the good stuff. The ingredients! It's a simple list, I promise.
Alright, let's dive into what you'll need for this amazing mandarin sunshine chicken and mandarin orange salad ! honestly, this salad is super flexible.
It will quickly become one of your favourite recipes for dinner asian .
Mandarin Sunshine Chicken Salad Recipe Card
Ingredients:
Instructions:
Ingredients & Equipment
Main Ingredients
Okay, here's the lowdown on what you need, and how to spot the good stuff. We will also cover the Salads Recipes For Dinner .
- Cooked chicken: 2 cups (300g) . I often use leftover roast chicken! Look for chicken that's moist, not dry.
- Mandarin oranges: 1 can (11 oz/312g) , drained. Trust me, good quality mandarin oranges are key here, the cheaper ones can be tasteless and not that good.
- Sliced almonds: 1/2 cup (50g) . Toasted is best but if you prefer them raw, that works too.
- Red onion: 1/4 cup (30g) , thinly sliced.
- Mixed greens: 4 cups (140g) .
- Fresh cilantro: 1/4 cup (5g) , chopped (optional).
Seasoning Notes
These spices are the backbone of the flavour! I feel this is one of those essential Dinner Recipes Not Chicken if you want to experience something different.
- Rice vinegar: 1/4 cup (60ml) .
- Sesame oil: 2 tablespoons (30ml) .
- Soy sauce: 2 tablespoons (30ml) .
- Honey or maple syrup: 1 tablespoon (15ml) .
- Fresh ginger: 1 teaspoon (5g) , grated.
- Garlic: 1 clove (3g) , minced.
- Red pepper flakes: 1/4 teaspoon (1g) (optional, for a kick!).
Honestly, don't skip the sesame oil! it makes the dressing super special. if you do not have rice vinegar, apple cider vinegar can be used as a replacement.
The perfect peanut dressing substitute.
Equipment Needed
Keep it simple, keep it real. Think of this as the perfect Easy Summer Dinners option.
- Large bowl: For mixing the salad.
- Small bowl or jar: For the dressing.
- Whisk: To blend the dressing together.
- Skillet: For toasting the almonds if needed.
- Knife & cutting board: To prepare the ingredients.
You probably already have everything, right? if you do not have a whisk, a fork works just fine. so whether you're aiming for a simple weeknight meal or a delicious asian chicken salad , you're all set.
So, go forth and get cooking! and hey, let me know how it goes! you could even make salad skewers with the mixture!.
It could be one of those unexpected recipes for dinner asian .
Let’s talk about the star: Mandarin Sunshine Chicken Salad! It's more than just a salad. It’s sunshine in a bowl.
Prep Like a Pro for the Best Chicken and Mandarin Orange Salad
Ever feel like cooking is a chore? yeah, me too. but prepping makes it so much easier. it's all about that mise en place , you know? get everything chopped, measured, and ready to go.
Honestly, it will save your sanity.
- Essential Mise en Place . Dice that chicken. Drain those oranges. Slice the onion. Have it all ready.
- Time-Saving Organization. Prep ingredients while the skillet heats. Efficient, innit?
- Safety First! Watch those fingers when chopping.
From Kitchen Chaos to Chicken Salad Champion in 5 Steps
Alright, here’s the super easy process for this winning asian chicken salad . honestly, it is one of my favorite dinner recipes not chicken nights.
Except it has chicken. you know what i mean. it's one of those recipes for dinner asian style that everyone will rave about.
- Toast the Almonds: Over medium heat, toast those slivered almonds for 3- 5 minutes . Keep an eye on them. Nobody likes burnt nuts.
- Whisk the Dressing: In a bowl, combine 1/4 cup rice vinegar, 2 tablespoons sesame oil, 2 tablespoons soy sauce, 1 tablespoon honey, 1 teaspoon ginger, and 1 clove minced garlic. Mix it well.
- Mix the Good Stuff: In a large bowl, combine 2 cups shredded chicken, 1 can drained mandarin oranges, 1/4 cup red onion, and toasted almonds. Oh my gosh, it's already looking good.
- Dress It Up: Pour that dressing over the chicken mix and toss. Careful not to over-dress it. You want flavor, not soup.
- Serve: Arrange 4 cups mixed greens on plates. Top with your Asian Chicken Salads. Dinner Asian sorted.
Pro Tips for Salad Glory
Want to take your Chicken and Mandarin Orange Salad from good to amazing ? Got you covered.
- Rotisserie Rescue. Use rotisserie chicken to save time. Honestly, it's my favorite shortcut.
- Don’t Wilt! Dress right before serving. Nobody likes soggy salad. This is so crucial especially if you are thinking of Salad Skewers .
- Make Ahead (Sort Of): The dressing keeps for a day or two. That’s a win. And if you add Peanut Dressing it becomes even better!
And there you have it: my easy summer dinners mvp. this mandarin sunshine chicken and mandarin orange salad is one of those salads recipes for dinner that you’ll make again and again.
You’ll be the kitchen hero. and honestly, what’s better than that?
Alright, let's dive into some extra details about this Mandarin Sunshine Chicken and Mandarin Orange Salad . It's more than just a bunch of ingredients tossed together, you know?
Recipe Notes
Think of these as your secret weapons. Little tips and tricks to elevate your Asian Chicken Salad game.
Serving Suggestions
Forget boring plating. let's make this chicken and mandarin orange salad pop! i reckon a nice sprinkle of extra toasted almonds never hurts.
Try serving it on a bed of crispy wonton strips for an extra bit of crunch, maybe even turn it into salad skewers for a fun party appetizer.
This is one of those dinner recipes not chicken that even meat lovers enjoy. for a refreshing pairing, try it with an ice-cold glass of pinot grigio.
Or even just some good old sparkling water with a squeeze of lime.
Storage Tips
Honestly, fresh is best, but life happens. if you've got leftovers, pop them in an airtight container in the fridge.
They'll be good for about 2-3 days. avoid freezing, the lettuce gets sad. reheating isn't really a thing with salads, but if you're just dealing with leftover cooked chicken for another salad, keep it sealed.
Variations
Want to mix things up? this salad is super adaptable. ditch the chicken for some grilled halloumi for a vegetarian option.
Or swap the almonds for toasted sesame seeds. for a dinner asian twist, add a splash of fish sauce to the peanut dressing …oh my gosh that’s good.
If you're looking for recipes for dinner asian inspired, a little goes a long way! and during the summer, basil is great too.
For easy summer dinners , this salad is a winner.
Nutrition Basics
Let's get real: this chicken and mandarin orange salad is pretty good for you. it's packed with protein from the chicken, vitamins from the oranges, and healthy fats from the almonds and sesame oil.
You know? perfect for those salads recipes for dinner vibes. it's like, a guilt-free indulgence with awesome asian chicken salads .
There you have it. Don't be afraid to experiment and make it your own. Seriously, have fun with it!
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this chicken and mandarin orange salad ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prep individual components ahead of time. The dressing can be made a day or two in advance and stored in the fridge. The chicken can also be cooked and shredded ahead of time. However, it's best to assemble the entire salad just before serving to prevent the greens from getting soggy – nobody wants sad, wilted lettuce!
What's the best way to store leftover chicken and mandarin orange salad?
Store any leftover salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Ideally, keep the dressed and undressed salad separate if you anticipate leftovers, as the dressing will cause the greens to wilt over time. It's best consumed within 1-2 days for optimal freshness. Think of it like a cheeky Nando's – best enjoyed sooner rather than later!
I'm not a fan of almonds. What else can I use in this chicken and mandarin orange salad?
No worries, mate! You can easily swap out the almonds for other nuts like cashews, walnuts, or even pecans. For a nut-free option, consider adding sunflower seeds or pumpkin seeds for a similar crunch and texture. Just make sure to toast them lightly for the best flavour, just like you would with the almonds.
Can I use a different type of lettuce for the chicken and mandarin orange salad?
Definitely! While mixed greens are a great base, you can use almost any type of lettuce you like. Romaine lettuce provides a nice crunch, while butter lettuce offers a softer texture. Spinach is also a good option for added nutrients. Think about what you fancy and what's in the fridge already!
Is there a good vegetarian alternative to the chicken in this mandarin sunshine chicken salad?
You bet! Tofu is a fantastic substitute. Pan-fried or grilled tofu will add a lovely texture and a good source of protein to the salad. You can also use tempeh or even chickpeas for a similar hearty filling effect. Season it well to match the overall flavour profile of the chicken and mandarin orange salad!
How can I add more of a kick to my chicken and mandarin orange salad?
Spice it up! A drizzle of sriracha in the dressing is the easiest way to add heat. You could also increase the amount of red pepper flakes in the dressing, or even add a pinch of cayenne pepper. Alternatively, try using a chilli-infused sesame oil for the dressing. Just remember, go easy – you can always add more, but you can't take it away!