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Mandarin Chicken Salad

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Mandarin Chicken Salad combines tender chicken, juicy mandarin oranges, crisp greens, colorful vegetables, and crunchy almonds with a sweet and tangy sesame dressing. It makes a fresh and satisfying lunch or light dinner.

Ingredients

  • 6 cups chopped romaine lettuce or mixed greens
  • 2 cups cooked chicken, sliced or shredded
  • 1 can mandarin oranges, drained
  • 1 cup shredded red cabbage
  • 1 cup shredded carrots
  • 1/2 cup sliced or slivered almonds
  • 1/2 cup sliced green onions
  • 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
  • 1/2 cup crispy wonton strips, optional
  • 1/4 cup olive oil
  • 3 tablespoons rice vinegar
  • 2 tablespoons honey
  • 1 tablespoon soy sauce
  • 1 teaspoon sesame oil
  • 1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger
  • 1 small garlic clove, minced
  • Salt and black pepper, to taste

Instructions

  1. Prepare the dressing by combining the olive oil, rice vinegar, honey, soy sauce, sesame oil, ginger, and garlic in a small bowl or jar.
  2. Whisk until well combined, or secure the lid on the jar and shake vigorously. Taste and season with salt and black pepper, adjusting the sweetness or acidity if desired.
  3. Place the chopped romaine lettuce or mixed greens in a large salad bowl.
  4. Add the cooked chicken, drained mandarin oranges, shredded red cabbage, carrots, green onions, and cilantro.
  5. Pour some of the dressing over the salad and gently toss to combine. Add additional dressing as needed until everything is lightly coated.
  6. Sprinkle the almonds and crispy wonton strips over the salad just before serving so they remain crunchy.
  7. Serve immediately with any remaining dressing on the side.

Notes

  • Grilled, baked, leftover, or rotisserie chicken can be used for this recipe.
  • Fresh mandarin segments can replace canned mandarin oranges.
  • For extra crunch, substitute or supplement the almonds with cashews, peanuts, sunflower seeds, crispy chow mein noodles, or additional nuts.
  • For more fruit, add strawberries, pineapple, mango, or grapes.
  • For a vegetarian variation, replace the chicken with edamame, chickpeas, or crispy tofu.
  • Grilled shrimp or salmon can be substituted for the chicken.
  • For extra heat, add Sriracha, crushed red pepper flakes, or chili crisp to the dressing.
  • For meal prep, refrigerate the greens, chicken, mandarins, dressing, and crunchy toppings separately. Add the dressing, almonds, and wonton strips immediately before serving.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://thefamilycooking.com/mandarin-chicken-salad/