mandarin orange salad recipe
The Best mandarin orange salad recipe
Itās also one of those salads thatās great for special occasionsāwhether itās a family dinner, a potluck, or just a weekend when you want something fresh and colorful. The vibrant colors make it look as good as it tastes, and the natural sweetness of the oranges balances out any savory proteins you add. Plus, itās packed with vitamins and fiber, so itās a smart way to eat without feeling like youāre missing out on anything. My family loves how easy it is to customizeāswap out the chicken for tofu, or skip the nuts if anyoneās avoiding them. Itās that kind of dish that feels like a no-brainer, but still feels special.
Crispy Mandarin Orange Chicken Salad
A refreshing salad featuring tender chicken tossed with bright mandarin oranges, crisp lettuce, and a tangy dressing. Perfect for a light lunch or a fresh side dish.
š„Ingredients
- 1 lb boneless chicken thighs
- 1 tbsp cornstarch
- 1 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp rice vinegar
- 1 tsp sesame oil
- 4 cups mixed greens
- 1 cup shredded carrots
- 1 cup mandarin orange segments (drained)
- 1/2 red bell pepper, thinly sliced
- 3 tbsp rice vinegar
- 2 tbsp honey
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp grated ginger
- 1 clove garlic, minced
šØāš³Directions
-
1
Preheat oven to 400Ā°F. Cut chicken thighs into bite-sized pieces. In a bowl, mix chicken with cornstarch, soy sauce, rice vinegar, and sesame oil. Let marinate for 10 minutes. -
2
Preheat a skillet over medium-high heat. Cook chicken for 5ā6 minutes until golden and cooked through. Transfer to a baking tray and bake for 10 minutes to crisp. -
3
While chicken cooks, prepare the dressing by whisking rice vinegar, honey, olive oil, ginger, and garlic together. -
4
Toss mixed greens, shredded carrots, mandarin segments, and bell pepper slices in a large bowl. Pour dressing over and gently mix. -
5
Divide salad among plates, top with crispy chicken, and serve immediately.
š§Equipment
- Cutting board
- Mixing bowls
- Baking tray
- Kitchen shears
- Fine-mesh strainer
šNutrition Facts (per serving)
šNotes
Watch Video Of How Crispy Mandarin Orange Chicken Salad Works
ā Frequently Asked Questions About Crispy Mandarin Orange Chicken Salad
1. What is the best way to peel mandarin oranges to avoid seeds?
Use a sharp, serrated knife to cut the peel along the seam just before the fruit starts to split. Gently twist the segment away from the core, then discard the peel and membrane. For extra cleanliness, dip the peeled segments in hot water for 30 seconds before serving.
2. Can I substitute regular oranges for mandarin oranges in this recipe?
No, mandarin oranges are the best choice because their thin skin and juicy flesh hold up well to the saladās textures. Regular oranges will be too tough, and their thicker peel wonāt peel cleanly without seeds. If youāre in a pinch, use blood oranges for a slightly sweeter, tangier flavor.
3. How do I adjust the sweetness if the mandarin oranges are overly tart?
Add a pinch of extra honey or brown sugar to the dressing, or increase the amount of toasted coconut by half a cup. For a milder taste, swap half the mandarin segments for a mix of red grapes or pineapple chunks.
4. Whatās the ideal serving size for this salad?
This recipe serves four as a light lunch or side dish. For a crowd, double the ingredientsājust ensure you have enough chilled dressing to coat the vegetables evenly. Leftovers keep well in the fridge for up to two days.
