Asian Mandarin Chicken Salad
When it comes to salads, this recipe is one of my absolute favorites! It’s tangy, zesty, has a crunchy texture, and so flavorful! You definitely don’t want to miss out on this Asian mandarin chicken salad! I really appreciate the citrus notes in this salad from the cute mandarin oranges and I believe they pair so well with the rest of the ingredients. You will also love my orange sesame ginger dressing that goes with this delightful salad!
Why you will love this salad
- It consists of a rainbow of veggies that are packed with fiber and antioxidants.
- It’s sweet, tangy, crunchy, and full of delicious flavors that pair so well.
- It has a fabulous orange sesame ginger dressing that elevates everything in this salad.
- It’s dairy and gluten free and also free of peanuts.
- You can make this to meal prep for the week or to share with the family.
What you will need
Mandarin Oranges – You can use fresh ones or the canned kind if you prefer!
Shredded Chicken – I love to make my shredded chicken in my Instant Pot because it get so tender and retains the moisture well. You can also roast or bake your chicken if you don’t have a pressure cooker.
Red Cabbage – This type of cabbage is high in anthocyanins which are a type of antioxidant. It’s red/purple color indicates this, and it also looks beautiful in salads.
Romaine Lettuce – I love the light and fresh taste of the romaine mixed with the red cabbage in this salad!
Red Bell Peppers – Bell peppers are rich in fiber and vitamin C! I love enjoying them both raw and cooked. They also gives the mandarin chicken salad a fun color pop
Carrots – This adds a sweet flavor to the salad and provides nutrients like beta carotene, vitamin K1, and potassium.
Green Onions – You can use either chopped green onions or chives in this recipe
Sliced Almonds – This adds a fun crunch texture to the salad.
Sesame Seeds – This is optional and adds an Asian touch to the salad.
For the Orange Sesame Giner Dressing
- Fresh orange or mandarin juice
- Toasted sesame seed oil
- Rice vinegar
- Coconut aminos
- Honey
- Yellow miso paste
- Ginger
- Garlic
- Miso
How to make the Asian mandarin chicken salad
Prepare the Chicken
Make the shredded chicken by cooking some chicken breasts in a pressure cooker or Instant pot. Cut into cubes and add 2 cups of water then seal and pressure cook for 10 minutes. Once chicken is done cooking, carefully release the steam on the pressure cooker and let it cool down. Shred with 2 forks or use a hand mixer for a fast method.(Another option is to buy some rotisserie chicken that is precooked.)
Chop and Slice the Veggies
Next, Chop and thinly slice the red cabbage, romaine lettuce, red bell peppers, carrots, and green onions and place in a salad bowl. For the best texture you will want to slice everything very thin!
Peel the mandarin orange and separate the slices. Add them to the salad bowl along with the sliced almonds, and shredded chicken.
Make the Orange Sesame Ginger Dressing
Make the orange sesame ginger dressing by adding all the ingredients into a small blender. Blend until a smooth consistency forms. Pour the dressing over the salad and toss everything together using salad tongs until the salad is coated evenly with the dressing. (If you like your salad extra sauce try doubling the recipe.)
When ready to enjoy, top with sesame seeds, and more green onions and enjoy! Store the salad in the fridge for up to 5 days.
Other recipes you will enjoy
Watermelon Cucumber Feta Salad
Viral Cucumber Sweet Pepper Salad
Asian Mandarin Chicken Salad
Equipment
- 1 small food processor
Ingredients
For the salad
- 3 cup Shredded chicken
- 2 cups thinly chopped red cabbage
- 3-4 cups thinly chopped romaine or green lettuce
- 1 cup shredded carrots
- 1 cup red bell peppers sliced thinly
- 4-5 mandarin oranges(peeled)
- 2/3 cup sliced almonds
- 1/2 cup chopped green onions
- Sesame seeds(optional)
For the orange sesame ginger dressing
- 1/2 cup fresh squeezed orange juice
- 1/2 cup toasted sesame oil
- 1/4 tbsp coconut aminos
- 4 tbsp rice vinegar
- 3 tbsp honey
- 3 cloves or garlic(pressed)
- 1.5 tbsp ginger pure or freshly grated
- 2 tsp yellow miso paste(optional)
Instructions
- Make the shredded chicken by cooking some chicken breasts in a pressure cooker or Instant pot. Cut into cubes and add 2 cups of water then seal and pressure cook for 10 minutes. Once chicken is done cooking, carefully release the steam on the pressure cooker and let it cool down. Shred with 2 forks or use a hand mixer for a fast method.(Another option is to buy some rotisserie chicken that is precooked.)
- Next, Chop and thinly slice the red cabbage, romaine lettuce, red bell peppers, carrots, and green onions and place in a salad bowl.
- Peel the mandarin orange and separate the slices. Add them to the salad bowl along with the sliced almonds, and shredded chicken.
- Make the orange sesame ginger dressing by adding all the ingredients into a small blender. Blend until a smooth consistency forms.
- Pour the dressing over the salad and toss everything together until the salad is coated evenly with the dressing.
- When ready to enjoy, top with sesame seeds, and more green onions and enjoy! Store the salad in the fridge for up to 5 days.
Did you make this recipe?
I would love to see your creations! Don’t forget to tag @colorful_superfoodie on Instagram and I’ll re-share!
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