Mandarin Orange Chicken Salad Recipe

Tender chicken, sweet mandarin oranges, crunchy celery, and creamy Dijon dressing come together for the ultimate Mandarin Orange Chicken Salad.

this Recipe

Have you ever had one of those moments when you’re staring into the fridge, trying to make sense of the random leftovers and ingredients staring back at you? That’s exactly how this Mandarin Orange Chicken Salad came to life. It was a lazy Sunday, the kind of day where you should be productive but end up just scrounging for lunch instead. I had leftover chicken from the night before, a bag of Cuties my kids had half-abandoned, and a serious craving for something refreshing but satisfying.

So, I got to work—or rather, I threw things into a bowl and hoped for the best. To my surprise, it wasn’t just good—it was amazing. Sweet mandarin oranges paired with juicy chicken, crunchy celery, and a creamy dressing? It was like a little bite of summer, even though the weather outside was anything but sunny.

Now, this salad is on constant rotation at our house. It’s one of those recipes that feels fancy enough to serve guests but is ridiculously easy to throw together. Plus, it’s flexible—great for lunches, light dinners, or even as a side dish when you’re hosting. Trust me, once you try it, you’ll wonder why you didn’t make it sooner.

Why You’ll Love This Mandarin Orange Chicken Salad Recipe?

Here’s why this Mandarin Orange Chicken Salad stands out:

• Sweet and Savory Balance: The juicy sweetness of mandarin oranges with savory chicken and tangy dressing is pure magic.
• Crunchy and Creamy: Every bite is a satisfying mix of textures, from crisp celery to the smooth dressing.
• Quick and Simple: Ready in just 30 minutes, it’s perfect for busy days or last-minute meals.
• Versatile: Serve it as a main dish, a side, or even on top of greens for a lighter version.
• Crowd-Pleaser: Whether for family dinners or potlucks, this salad always gets rave reviews.

Ingredient Notes:

Let’s break down the key players in this recipe:

• Chicken: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are easy to cook and shred. Pounding them to an even thickness ensures they cook evenly.
• Mandarin Oranges: Fresh Cuties bring a bright sweetness that makes this salad pop. Don’t have fresh? Canned mandarins work too.
• Celery: Adds that satisfying crunch, balancing the creaminess of the dressing.
• Mayonnaise and Dijon Mustard: The base of the dressing. The mayo keeps it creamy, while the mustard adds a subtle tang.
• Salt, Pepper, and Olive Oil: The unsung heroes of seasoning, making sure the chicken is flavorful and tender.

Pro Tip: For the freshest flavor, peel and segment the mandarins right before adding them to the salad.

How To Make Mandarin Orange Chicken Salad?

Here’s how to whip up this Mandarin Orange Chicken Salad in no time:

1. Roast the Chicken:
   Preheat your oven to 450°F. Drizzle olive oil over the chicken breasts and sprinkle generously with salt and pepper. Arrange them in a roasting dish and bake for 25–30 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F. Let the chicken cool before shredding or chopping into bite-sized pieces.
2. Prep the Veggies and Oranges:
   While the chicken roasts, chop the celery into small, even pieces. Peel and segment the mandarin oranges, being careful not to crush them—you want those sweet little bursts intact.
3. Mix the Dressing:
   In a large mixing bowl, combine the mayonnaise and Dijon mustard. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Stir until smooth.
4. Assemble the Salad:
   Add the shredded chicken and chopped celery to the bowl with the dressing. Toss gently to coat everything evenly. Finally, fold in the mandarin orange segments, taking care not to overmix (nobody wants squished oranges!).
5. Serve and Enjoy:
   Transfer the salad to a serving dish or individual plates. It’s ready to eat immediately, but letting it chill in the fridge for 10–15 minutes lets the flavors meld beautifully.

Storage Options:

This salad is perfect for meal prep or leftovers. Here’s how to store it:

• Refrigerator: Keep it in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Just give it a good stir before serving to redistribute the dressing.
• Freezer: Not recommended. The creamy dressing and fresh oranges don’t freeze well.

Variations and Substitutions:

Want to switch things up? Try these ideas:

• Protein Options: Use turkey, shrimp, or even tofu for a fun twist.
• Fruit Swaps: No mandarins? Grapes, pineapple chunks, or even diced apples work beautifully.
• Add Some Crunch: Toss in toasted almonds, pecans, or sunflower seeds for extra texture.
• Lighter Dressing: Swap half the mayo for Greek yogurt to lighten it up without losing the creaminess.
• Fresh Herbs: Add a sprinkle of parsley or dill for a pop of fresh flavor.

What to Serve with Mandarin Orange Chicken Salad?

This salad is satisfying on its own, but if you’re looking to make it a full meal, here are some ideas:

• Crusty Bread: A slice of sourdough or a warm baguette pairs perfectly.
• Soup: Serve it alongside a light veggie soup for a comforting lunch.
• Greens: Spread it over a bed of spinach or arugula for extra nutrients.
• White Wine: A crisp Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio complements the citrus notes beautifully.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes! It actually tastes better after a few hours in the fridge. Just wait to add the mandarins until right before serving to keep them fresh.

Can I use canned mandarins instead of fresh?
Absolutely! Just be sure to drain them well to avoid extra liquid in the salad.

What’s the best way to shred chicken?
Two forks work great, but if you’re short on time, a stand mixer with the paddle attachment does the job in seconds!

And there you have it—a fresh, flavorful Mandarin Orange Chicken Salad that’s perfect for any occasion. It’s light, delicious, and just a little bit fancy (without any extra effort). So, what’s your favorite way to jazz up chicken salad? Let me know—I’m always up for trying something new!

Keep the Flavor Coming – Try These:

Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars

Easy Rotel Sausage Crescents

Slow Cooker Ravioli Lasagna Recipe

Mandarin Orange Chicken Salad Recipe

Prep Time 5 minutes mins

Cook Time 25 minutes mins

Total Time 30 minutes mins

Ready yourself for an experience that melds flavors, textures and pure pleasure. As the tender chicken mixes with the sweetness of mandarin oranges and the smooth dressing envelops it all in a velvety hug each bite creates a symphony of flavors. Whether it's a family meal or a gathering with friends this recipe guarantees an experience that will tantalize your taste buds and leave you wanting more.

PRINT PIN REVIEW SAVE Saved!

6 Servings

Ingredients

1x2x3x

Chicken:

• 2 lbs. Boneless Skinless Chicken Breasts (pounded to equal thickness)
• Olive Oil
• Salt and Pepper

Chicken Salad:

• 4 Celery Stalks chopped
• 1/2 cup Mayonnaise
• 2 tbsp. Stone Ground Dijon Mustard
• Salt and Pepper to taste
• 5 Cutie Mandarin Oranges peeled and segmented

Cook ModePrevent your screen from going dark

Instructions

 

To make the chicken:

1. Preheat your oven to 450ºF (232ºC).
2. Drizzle some olive oil, over the chicken breasts. Season them generously with salt and pepper.
3. Place the chicken in a roasting dish. Roast it for about 25 to 30 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 165ºF (74ºC). Remember, cooking time may vary depending on how thick the chicken breasts are.
4. Let the roasted chicken cool down. Shred or chop it into bite pieces.

For the chicken salad:

1. In a bowl combine the chopped chicken with some celery.
2. Add mayonnaise and Stone Ground Dijon Mustard to the bowl and season, with salt and pepper according to your preference.
3. Gently mix all the ingredients together until well combined.
4. Finally, fold in some peeled, segmented Cutie Mandarin Oranges, being careful not to crush them.
5. Enjoy your delicious Mandarin Orange Chicken Salad!

Notes

If you're someone who follows a gluten-free diet don't worry! Our recipe for Mandarin Orange Chicken Salad can easily be adjusted to suit your needs. Just make sure to choose gluten condiments like mayonnaise and Stone Ground Dijon Mustard. It's also important to read ingredient labels to avoid any sources of gluten. By being mindful of these choices you can enjoy this salad without any concerns about gluten. So go ahead. Savor each and every bite, with confidence!

Audrey

DID YOU MAKE THIS RECIPE?Let me know! Mention @nodashofgluten or tag #nodashofgluten

Bitty

I’m Bitty, owner of nodashofgluten.com, where I share simple, delicious recipes for all tastes, including gluten-free. Check out my “About Me” page for more info!

nodashofgluten.com/