Easy Mandarin Chicken Salad for Busy Summer Nights
Too hot to turn on the oven? This refreshing Mandarin Chicken Salad is your new summer favorite.
It is light enough for a warm evening. Yet, it is filling enough for a whole meal. You will love the sweet and savory balance in every bite.
Why This Recipe Is a Winner
This recipe is a winner for busy schedules. You can have dinner on the table in 20 minutes. There is zero cooking required if you use pre-cooked chicken.
It is a great way to eat more greens. The colors are beautiful and bright on your plate. It feels like a restaurant-quality meal at home without the high price tag.
Simple Method
Making this salad is very simple. You just whisk the dressing and toss the ingredients. Even if you are a beginner, you can do this. This makes your weeknight dinner routine feel totally effortless.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Most of these items are likely in your pantry already. Fresh produce makes this seasonal salad shine.
- 2 cups cooked chicken breast, shredded
- 4 cups romaine lettuce, chopped
- 1 cup shredded red cabbage
- 1 can (11 ounces) mandarin orange segments, drained
- 1/4 cup green onions, thinly sliced
- 1/4 cup sliced almonds, toasted
- 1/4 cup crispy chow mein noodles
- 1/4 cup rice vinegar
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 1 tablespoon toasted sesame oil
- 1 teaspoon fresh ginger, grated
- 1/4 cup canola oil
Step-by-Step
- Whisk together the rice vinegar, soy sauce, honey, toasted sesame oil, grated ginger, and canola oil in a small bowl until well combined.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the chopped romaine lettuce and shredded red cabbage.
- Add the shredded chicken, drained mandarin oranges, and sliced green onions to the greens.
- Pour the dressing over the salad mixture and toss gently to coat all ingredients evenly.
- Divide onto plates and top each serving with toasted almonds and crispy chow mein noodles immediately before serving.
Best Ways to Enjoy It
Serve this in large chilled bowls. It looks lovely for a casual patio dinner. Pair it with a cold glass of iced tea. You could also serve it with fresh fruit. It is a fresh and vibrant way to end your day.
Keep It Fresh
Store the salad and dressing separately. This keeps the lettuce very crisp. The chicken and cabbage mix stays fresh for three days. Add the oranges and noodles just before eating. This is a smart meal prep option for busy weeks.
Recipe Tips
- Use rotisserie chicken to save even more time.
- Toast your almonds for a deeper nutty flavor.
- Do not add the noodles until you are ready to eat.
- Always use freshly grated ginger for the best dressing flavor.
- For a summer twist, add a few fresh berries.
- Avoid over-mixing so the orange segments stay whole.
Ways to Switch It Up
- Swap chicken for firm tofu for a vegetarian meal.
- Use kale instead of romaine for more heartiness.
- Try maple syrup instead of honey for a vegan option.
- In summer, swap canned oranges for fresh clementine segments.
Quick Answers
Can I make this ahead?
Yes, you can prep the ingredients early. Just keep the dressing in a separate jar. Mix everything right before you serve it.
What if I don’t have rice vinegar?
Apple cider vinegar is a great substitute. It has a similar mild acidity. It will still taste bright and delicious.
How do I know the dressing is mixed?
Whisk until the oil and vinegar no longer separate. It should look smooth and slightly thickened. This ensures even flavor in every bite.
I hope this refreshing salad brightens your summer evenings. It is the perfect way to stay cool while eating well. Happy cooking!
— Clara
Ingredients
Method
- Whisk together the rice vinegar, soy sauce, honey, toasted sesame oil, grated ginger, and canola oil in a small bowl until well combined.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the chopped romaine lettuce and shredded red cabbage.
- Add the shredded chicken, drained mandarin oranges, and sliced green onions to the greens.
- Pour the dressing over the salad mixture and toss gently to coat all ingredients evenly.
- Divide onto plates and top each serving with toasted almonds and crispy chow mein noodles immediately before serving.
