Asian Chicken Salad with Mandarin Oranges
A refreshing mix of tender chicken, crisp lettuce, sweet mandarin oranges, and crunchy almonds, all tossed in a zesty sesame ginger dressing. It's a light yet satisfying meal, perfect for a sunny lunch.
For 4 servings
5 steps. 15 minutes total.
- 1
Step 1
- a.Prepare and Cook the Chicken
- b.Pat the chicken breasts dry with a paper towel and season generously on both sides with salt and pepper.
- c.Heat 1 tbsp of olive oil in a large skillet or grill pan over medium-high heat.
- d.Carefully place the chicken in the hot pan. Cook for 6-8 minutes per side, until golden brown and cooked through. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C) on an instant-read thermometer.
- e.Transfer the cooked chicken to a cutting board and let it rest for 10 minutes. This allows the juices to redistribute. Once rested, slice or shred the chicken.
- 2
Step 2
- a.Make the Sesame Ginger Dressing
- b.In a small bowl or a mason jar with a tight-fitting lid, combine the rice vinegar, soy sauce, toasted sesame oil, honey, grated ginger, and minced garlic.
- c.Whisk vigorously or seal the jar and shake well to combine the initial ingredients.
- d.While whisking continuously (or with the blender on low), slowly drizzle in the vegetable oil. Continue to whisk or shake until the dressing is smooth, emulsified, and slightly thickened. Set aside.
- 3
Step 3
- a.Toast the Almonds
- b.Place the slivered almonds in a small, dry skillet over medium heat.
- c.Toast for 2-4 minutes, shaking the pan or stirring frequently, until they are fragrant and lightly golden brown. Watch them closely as they can burn quickly.
- d.Immediately remove the almonds from the hot pan and transfer to a plate to cool completely.
- 4
Step 4
- a.Assemble the Salad
- b.In a large salad bowl, combine the chopped romaine lettuce, shredded red cabbage, julienned carrots, and sliced scallions. Toss gently to mix the base.
- c.Add the cooked chicken, well-drained mandarin oranges, toasted almonds, and chopped fresh cilantro to the bowl.
- 5
Step 5
- a.Dress and Serve
- b.Just before serving, give the dressing a final shake or whisk. Pour about two-thirds of the dressing over the salad.
- c.Toss everything together gently until all ingredients are evenly coated. Add more dressing if desired.
- d.Top with a generous sprinkle of crispy chow mein noodles for crunch and serve immediately.
What to keep in mind.
5 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1For a faster meal, use pre-cooked rotisserie chicken.
- 2The dressing can be made up to a week in advance and stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Shake well before using.
- 3To prevent a soggy salad, only add the dressing and crispy noodles just before you plan to serve it.
- 4For extra flavor, marinate the chicken in 2 tablespoons of the prepared dressing for 30 minutes before cooking.
- 5Ensure the mandarin oranges are very well-drained to keep the salad crisp and the dressing flavorful.
Adapt it for your goals.
Protein Swap
Substitute the chicken with grilled shrimp, flaked salmon, or pan-seared tofu for a different flavor profile.
Vegetarian/VeganVegetarian/Vegan
Omit the chicken and add shelled edamame or crispy baked tofu. Use maple syrup instead of honey in the dressing to make it vegan.
Nut FreeNut-Free
Replace the almonds with toasted sunflower seeds or pumpkin seeds for a similar crunch.
Add More VeggiesAdd More Veggies
Incorporate other vegetables like sliced bell peppers, snap peas, or bean sprouts for extra crunch and nutrients.
Why this is on our healthy list.
Lean Protein Powerhouse
Chicken breast is an excellent source of lean protein, which is essential for building and repairing tissues, supporting muscle mass, and promoting a feeling of fullness.
Rich in Vitamins and Antioxidants
The colorful array of vegetables like romaine lettuce, red cabbage, and carrots provides a wealth of vitamins A and C, as well as antioxidants that help protect your body from cellular damage.
Source of Healthy Fats
Almonds and sesame oil contribute heart-healthy monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats, which can help improve cholesterol levels and support overall cardiovascular health.
High in Dietary Fiber
With a base of fresh lettuce, cabbage, and carrots, this salad is high in dietary fiber, which aids in digestion, helps maintain stable blood sugar levels, and contributes to satiety.
Frequently asked questions
One serving of this salad contains approximately 730 calories. The majority of calories come from the dressing, almonds, and chicken, providing a balanced mix of healthy fats, protein, and carbohydrates.