Description
This Mandarin Chicken Salad combines lean grilled chicken with fresh mixed greens, juicy mandarin oranges, crunchy vegetables, and a tangy homemade dressing. It’s a vibrant, healthy salad perfect for a light lunch or dinner, offering a delightful balance of sweet, savory, and crunchy textures.
Ingredients
Scale
Protein
- 2 cups grilled chicken breast, shredded
Fruits and Vegetables
- 1 cup mandarin oranges, segments
- 4 cups mixed greens (spinach, arugula, and romaine)
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
- 1 cucumber, sliced thin
- 1/4 red onion, sliced thin
- 1/4 cup cilantro, chopped
Dairy and Nuts
- 1/2 cup feta cheese, crumbled
- 1/2 cup slivered almonds
Dressing
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
- 1 tablespoon honey
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Season and Grill Chicken: Start by seasoning the chicken breasts with salt, pepper, and a drizzle of olive oil. Preheat your grill or grill pan over medium-high heat, then cook the chicken breasts for 6-7 minutes on each side or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
- Prepare Vegetables: While the chicken is grilling, thoroughly wash and dry the mixed greens. Then slice the cucumber thinly, dice the red bell pepper, and thinly slice the red onion. Set all these vegetables aside for assembling the salad.
- Make Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, rice vinegar, honey, and a pinch of salt and pepper until the dressing is smooth and well combined.
- Shred Chicken and Combine Salad Ingredients: Once the grilled chicken is cooked through and has cooled slightly, shred it using two forks. In a large salad bowl, combine the mixed greens, diced red bell pepper, sliced cucumber, sliced red onion, and shredded chicken.
- Finish and Toss Salad: Gently fold in the mandarin orange segments, chopped cilantro, crumbled feta cheese, and slivered almonds. Drizzle the prepared dressing over the salad just before serving and toss gently to coat all ingredients evenly.
Notes
- Make sure to let the grilled chicken rest for a few minutes before shredding to retain its juices.
- You can substitute chicken breast with grilled tofu or chickpeas for a vegetarian option.
- For added zest, sprinkle some freshly cracked black pepper or a squeeze of fresh lemon juice just before serving.
- Use fresh mandarin oranges when in season or well-drained canned segments if out of season.
- Store any leftover dressing separately to keep the salad fresh and crisp.
