This Mandarin Chicken Salad is the kind of dish that hits every note—sweet, savory, tangy, and crunchy—all in one refreshing bowl. It’s the perfect solution for busy weeknights when you want something light but satisfying. Packed with tender chicken, juicy mandarin oranges, crisp veggies, and a sesame-soy dressing that’s utterly addictive, this salad is a total crowd-pleaser that comes together in no time!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Super Quick and No-Fuss: This salad is ready in under 30 minutes and uses mostly pre-cooked or ready-to-eat ingredients.
Bursting with Flavor and Texture: Every bite delivers crunch, juiciness, and umami. The mandarin oranges add a pop of sweetness that balances the savory chicken and tangy dressing beautifully.
Customizable to Your Taste: Whether you’re feeling like tossing in extra greens or swapping out the protein, this salad plays well with substitutions.
Light Yet Filling: Thanks to the protein-packed chicken and fiber-rich vegetables, this is one salad that won’t leave you hungry an hour later.

Ingredients You’ll Need

You don’t need a ton of fancy items—just these fresh, simple ingredients that deliver big flavor:

Cooked Chicken: Use grilled, roasted, or rotisserie chicken—whatever you’ve got on hand. Shred or dice it up.
Mandarin Oranges: Canned mandarins in juice (not syrup) are perfect. Drain well. Fresh mandarins work too if you’re up for peeling and sectioning.
Romaine Lettuce or Mixed Greens: A crunchy base that holds up to the juicy ingredients. Spinach is also a great option.
Shredded Carrots: Add color and a slight sweetness that plays beautifully with the dressing.
Sliced Almonds: For that essential crunch. Toasting them quickly in a pan boosts their flavor.
Green Onions: Mild, crisp, and just the right amount of bite.
Crispy Chow Mein Noodles: Totally optional, but they add a crave-worthy crunch.
Sesame-Soy Dressing: A simple mix of soy sauce, sesame oil, rice vinegar, honey, and a touch of garlic or ginger if you like. Store-bought works too, but homemade is next-level.

Variations

This salad is all about flexibility. Here’s how you can switch things up:

Swap the Protein: Use shrimp, tofu, or even leftover steak if that’s what you’ve got.
Add More Veggies: Cucumber slices, red bell peppers, shredded cabbage, or edamame are all fantastic additions.
Make It Spicy: Add a sprinkle of red pepper flakes or a drizzle of sriracha into the dressing.
Go Nut-Free: If allergies are a concern, skip the almonds and try toasted sunflower seeds or pumpkin seeds instead.

How to Make Mandarin Chicken Salad

Step 1: Prep the Ingredients

Slice the chicken into bite-sized pieces or shred it. Drain the mandarin oranges. Rinse and chop your greens and any other veggies you’re using.

Step 2: Toast the Almonds (Optional but Recommended)

Heat a small skillet over medium heat and toast the sliced almonds for a few minutes until golden and fragrant. Keep an eye on them—they burn fast!

Step 3: Make the Dressing

In a small bowl or jar, whisk together soy sauce, sesame oil, rice vinegar, honey, and a pinch of garlic or grated ginger. Taste and adjust—you want a balance of salty, sweet, and tangy.

Step 4: Assemble the Salad

In a large bowl, combine the greens, chicken, mandarin oranges, shredded carrots, green onions, and almonds. Pour the dressing over and toss to coat everything evenly.

Step 5: Top and Serve

Right before serving, add the crispy chow mein noodles on top for extra crunch. Serve immediately!

Pro Tips for Making the Recipe

Use Cold or Room Temp Ingredients: A chilled salad is much more refreshing, especially if you’re making it in warm weather.
Don’t Dress Too Early: If you’re prepping ahead, keep the dressing separate until right before serving to keep things crisp.
Balance the Sweetness: If your mandarins are super sweet, a splash of lime juice or extra vinegar in the dressing can help cut through it.
Shred the Chicken for Better Texture: It holds onto the dressing better than large chunks.

How to Serve

This salad works beautifully as a standalone meal, but you can elevate it even more:

Serve With:

A light soup: Like miso or clear broth-based soup for a refreshing combo.
Crusty bread or garlic toast: If you’re craving something to mop up that dressing.
Spring rolls or dumplings: For an Asian-inspired dinner spread.

Garnish With:

A few sesame seeds on top
Fresh cilantro or mint for an herbal twist
A drizzle of extra sesame oil for deeper flavor

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store the undressed salad in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Keep the dressing and crunchy toppings separate to avoid sogginess.

Freezing

This one’s not a freezer-friendly recipe, unfortunately. The fresh veggies and citrus don’t thaw well.

Reheating

No reheating needed! It’s a chilled salad and best enjoyed cold or at room temperature.

FAQs

Can I use canned chicken for this salad?
Yes, you can! Just make sure to drain it well and break it up into small pieces. It’s a super convenient shortcut and works great in a pinch.

What’s the best way to make this salad ahead for lunch?
Layer the ingredients in a jar or airtight container—start with dressing on the bottom, followed by chicken, carrots, oranges, and finally greens on top. Shake before eating!

Is this salad gluten-free?
It can be! Just double-check your soy sauce (use tamari if needed) and skip the chow mein noodles or find a gluten-free version.

Can I make the dressing creamier?
Absolutely! Whisk in a spoonful of mayo or Greek yogurt for a creamier consistency that clings more to the salad ingredients.

Final Thoughts

This Mandarin Chicken Salad is everything a great weeknight meal should be—quick, fresh, flavorful, and flexible. Whether you’re making it for a family dinner or prepping a few lunches for the week, it’s the kind of dish that makes healthy eating feel like a treat. Give it a try and enjoy every juicy, crunchy bite!

Mandarin Chicken Salad Recipe