Are you craving a salad that's not just healthy, but bursting with flavor and excitement? Get ready to transform your meal routine with our irresistible Mandarin Orange Chicken Spinach Salad - a dish so delicious, it'll make your taste buds dance and your nutrition goals cheer! In just 35 minutes, you'll create a restaurant-quality meal that's packed with protein, vibrant colors, and a perfect balance of sweet, savory, and crunchy elements that will leave you wanting more.
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 20 mins
Total Time: 35 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 2 cups fresh spinach
- 1 cup cooked chicken, shredded
- 1 cup mandarin oranges, drained
- 1/4 cup sliced almonds
- 1/4 cup red onion, thinly sliced
- 1/4 cup sesame dressing
Instructions
- Begin by gathering all your ingredients: fresh spinach, cooked chicken, mandarin oranges, sliced almonds, red onion, and sesame dressing.
- Rinse the fresh spinach under cold water to remove any dirt or grit. Pat dry with a clean kitchen towel or use a salad spinner to remove excess moisture.
- In a large mixing bowl, add the rinsed spinach. This will be the base of your salad.
- Next, take the cooked chicken and shred it into bite-sized pieces if it isn't already shredded. Add the shredded chicken to the bowl with the spinach.
- Open the can of mandarin oranges and drain the syrup. Gently fold the mandarin oranges into the salad mixture, being careful not to break them apart.
- Slice the red onion thinly. If you prefer a milder onion flavor, you can soak the slices in cold water for about 10 minutes, then drain. Add the red onion slices to the salad bowl.
- Sprinkle the sliced almonds over the top of the salad. This will add a nice crunch and nutty flavor to the dish.
- Drizzle the sesame dressing over the salad. Start with about 1/4 cup, then adjust to taste, adding more if desired.
- Using tongs or salad servers, gently toss all the ingredients together until everything is evenly coated with the dressing.
- Once mixed, taste the salad and adjust the seasoning if necessary. You may want to add a pinch of salt or a squeeze of fresh lemon juice for extra flavor.
- Divide the salad into four serving bowls or plates. You can serve it immediately or chill it in the refrigerator for a few minutes before serving if you prefer it cold.
- Enjoy your Mandarin Orange Chicken Spinach Salad as a refreshing and nutritious meal!
Tips
- For the most tender and flavorful chicken, use leftover roasted or grilled chicken, or quickly poach chicken breasts before shredding.
- To enhance the almond's flavor, lightly toast them in a dry skillet for 2-3 minutes before adding to the salad.
- If you prefer a milder onion taste, soak sliced red onions in cold water for 10 minutes to reduce their sharp bite.
- For a more complex dressing, consider mixing your own sesame vinaigrette with sesame oil, rice vinegar, and a touch of honey.
- Make this salad ahead of time, but add the almonds and dressing just before serving to maintain their crisp texture.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 250kcal
Carbohydrates: 15g
Protein: 20g
Fat: 12g
Saturated Fat: 2g
Cholesterol: 45mg
