This Mandarin Chicken Salad is a vibrant, fresh, and utterly satisfying dish that checks all the boxes—crunchy, sweet, savory, and tangy, all in one bowl. It’s the kind of salad that actually makes you excited to eat your greens. Packed with juicy mandarin oranges, tender chicken, crisp vegetables, and a zingy sesame-ginger dressing, this salad is an absolute lifesaver on busy weeknights when you want something light yet fulfilling without spending hours in the kitchen.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Quick and Effortless: This salad comes together in 20 minutes or less, especially if you have pre-cooked chicken on hand.
Flavor-Packed: Every bite is bursting with contrasting textures and flavors—from sweet citrus to savory chicken to crunchy cabbage.
Nutritious and Balanced: It’s loaded with lean protein, fiber-rich veggies, and healthy fats, making it a wholesome meal in itself.
Customizable: Easily adaptable to your favorite ingredients or whatever’s in your fridge.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gather these easy-to-find ingredients to build your salad bowl:

Cooked Chicken: Use grilled or rotisserie chicken for convenience. Slice it thin or dice it—just make sure it’s juicy and well-seasoned.
Mandarin Oranges: Canned mandarins (drained well) are sweet and juicy, but fresh ones work beautifully too if they’re in season.
Shredded Cabbage: Provides a hearty crunch and makes the salad feel more substantial. A mix of green and purple cabbage adds color.
Romaine Lettuce: Adds a crisp, leafy base that complements the other textures.
Carrots: Julienne or shredded for a slightly sweet crunch.
Green Onions: For a mild onion flavor that lifts the whole dish.
Slivered Almonds: Toasted almonds add nutty flavor and a crunchy bite. Don’t skip them!
Crispy Chow Mein Noodles: Adds that irresistible crunch—think of them as the salad’s “croutons.”
Sesame Seeds: Optional, but they enhance the Asian-inspired vibe.
Sesame-Ginger Dressing: Use a store-bought version to save time, or make your own with sesame oil, rice vinegar, soy sauce, ginger, honey, and a touch of garlic.

Variations

Make this Mandarin Chicken Salad your own with a few simple swaps:

Protein Options: Swap the chicken for grilled shrimp, tofu, or even crispy chickpeas for a vegetarian version.
Fruit Twists: Add pineapple chunks or sliced strawberries for a fruity twist.
Greens Galore: Use baby spinach or kale instead of romaine and cabbage for a different base.
Dressing Swaps: A honey-lime vinaigrette or even a light peanut dressing would also pair wonderfully.
Add Avocado: Creamy slices of avocado take this salad to the next level of indulgence.

How to Make Mandarin Chicken Salad

Step 1: Prep the Base

In a large salad bowl, add chopped romaine, shredded cabbage, and shredded carrots. Toss to combine the base greens.

Step 2: Add the Toppings

Layer on the sliced or shredded chicken, mandarin orange segments, green onions, and toasted slivered almonds.

Step 3: Toss in the Crunch

Add a generous handful of crispy chow mein noodles and sprinkle with sesame seeds for a little extra flair.

Step 4: Dress and Toss

Drizzle your sesame-ginger dressing over the salad just before serving. Toss everything together gently to coat evenly.

Step 5: Serve Fresh

Plate it up right away to enjoy that perfect crunch and freshness.

Pro Tips for Making the Recipe

Drain Mandarins Well: Too much juice will water down your salad. Pat them dry with a paper towel if needed.
Use Warm Chicken: Slightly warm chicken adds a comforting contrast to the cold, crunchy salad.
Toast the Almonds: A quick toast in a dry skillet brings out their nutty aroma and makes a big difference.
Dress Just Before Serving: To keep everything crisp, don’t add the dressing until you’re ready to eat.

How to Serve

This salad makes a fantastic lunch or light dinner all on its own, but you can easily round it out:

With Soup:

Pair it with a simple miso soup or a light chicken broth-based soup for a fuller meal.

As a Side:

Serve alongside grilled meat or fish for a vibrant, refreshing side dish.

Wrap It Up:

Spoon the salad into lettuce leaves or wraps for a fun, hand-held option.

Add Rice:

Serve over a bed of jasmine rice or quinoa to make it extra hearty.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store undressed salad in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. If it’s already dressed, try to eat it the same day to enjoy the best texture.

Freezing

Not recommended—this salad is all about fresh, crunchy textures that don’t survive freezing well.

Reheating

There’s no reheating necessary here. If your chicken was cooked ahead, you can gently warm it before assembling the salad if you prefer.

FAQs

Can I make this salad in advance?
Yes, but store the dressing separately and toss it in just before serving to keep everything crisp and fresh.

Can I use rotisserie chicken?
Absolutely. It’s a perfect time-saver and adds a nice roasted flavor to the salad.

What can I use instead of chow mein noodles?
Try crushed wonton strips, rice crackers, or even croutons if you’re in a pinch. You just want that extra crunch.

Is this salad gluten-free?
It can be! Use gluten-free chow mein noodles and make sure your dressing is gluten-free or homemade with tamari instead of soy sauce.

Final Thoughts

Mandarin Chicken Salad is the kind of recipe that makes weeknight dinners a breeze—fast, flavorful, and full of life. Whether you’re trying to eat a little lighter or just looking for something fresh and satisfying, this salad delivers every single time. Don’t be afraid to make it your own, and enjoy every colorful, crunchy bite!

Mandarin Chicken Salad Recipe