Mandarin Orange Chicken: This salad is very refreshing, crispy, crunchy, sweet, and savory. I love this salad so much but my favorite part is the iceberg lettuce. I just can’t resist the sweet crunch of iceberg lettuce!
This version of Crunchy Mandarin Orange-Chicken Salad uses a block of broken-up ramen. I used the Instant ramen packets. The broken, wavy, crunchy noodles act as croutons. If you love the satisfying crunch of ramen in salads, you might also enjoy Ramen Salad, a chilled and refreshing dish that pairs ramen noodles with crisp veggies and a tangy dressing. For something warm, vegetarian, and naturally gluten-free, Thai Glass Noodles Stir Fried (Pad Woon Sen) is a fantastic option—it’s a savory stir-fried
I love how I can easily put this salad together. Some of the ingredients can also be swapped. If you want to use cashews or roasted peanuts instead of almonds, you can! As for the chicken, leftover rotisserie chicken is a wonderful option.
Whenever I make this Mandarin Orange-Chicken, I always opt to use fresh mandarin oranges. The fresh ones add the perfect pop of brightness to the salad! But if not possible, you can simply use jarred mandarin oranges.
Mandarin Orange Chicken Salad
This salad only requires a few simple ingredients to put together. Simple ingredients that you easily can get your hands on.
What You Need To Make This Mandarin Orange Chicken:
Salad Ingredients:
- Shredded chicken
- Romaine or iceberg lettuce
- Red cabbage
- Green onions
- Almonds
- Jarred mandarin oranges, drained
- Carrot
- Instant ramen packet
Dressing Ingredients:
- Vegetable oil
- Rice wine vinegar
- Honey
- Soy sauce
- Ginger
- Sesame oil
- Hoisin sauce
- Garlic
To make this recipe gluten-free (you should use these ingredients instead):
- Use gluten-free instant ramen. Lutos foods make a lot of certified gluten-free ramen noodles.
- Gluten-free Hoisin sauce like Wok Mei.
- Use tamari soy sauce instead or gluten-free soy sauce made with rice.
Steps To Make Mandarin Orange-Chicken
Step 1: To make the salad. Toss the lettuce, red cabbage, chicken, mandarin oranges, crushed ramen noodles, carrots, green onions, and sliced almonds in a large bowl.
Mix:
Mandarin oranges, crushed ramen noodles, carrots, green onions, and sliced almonds:
Step 2: For the dressing, combine the vinegar, honey, sesame oil, hoisin sauce, soy sauce, ginger, and garlic in a small bowl. Gradually drizzle with vegetable oil, stirring until emulsified.
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Soy sauce:
Vinegar:
Honey:
Hoisin sauce:
Garlic:
Ginger:
Step 3: Over the salad, add the dressing just before serving and toss to mix.
This salad is amazing to bring to potlucks, picnics, or serve at any time! This has the perfect combination of flavors and textures that are to die for! And the dressing is super addictive!
Frequently Asked Questions
What to pair this Mandarin Orange-Chicken?
I love pairing this salad with chicken or meatballs.
Is this recipe adaptable?
Yes! This recipe is super versatile. Feel free to add anything to this already delicious salad.
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Planning to try this recipe soon? Pin it for a quick find later!
Keep the Flavor Coming – Try These:
A Refreshingly Light Crunchy Mandarin Orange-Chicken
Ingredients
FOR THE SALAD:
- 2 cups shredded chicken
- 3 cups finely chopped romaine or iceberg lettuce
- 1/2 cup shredded carrot
- 2 cups shredded red cabbage
- 1/3 cup sliced green onions
- 1/4 cup sliced almonds
- 1/2 cup jarred mandarin oranges drained
- 1 instant ramen packet crushed (flavor packet discarded)
FOR THE DRESSING:
- 1 clove garlic minced
- 3 tablespoons rice wine vinegar
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 1 teaspoon minced ginger
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 1/4 cup vegetable oil
- 1 tablespoon hoisin sauce
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
Instructions
- In a large bowl, toss together the lettuce, red cabbage, chicken, mandarin oranges, crushed ramen noodles, carrots, green onions, and sliced almonds to make the salad.
- Combine the vinegar, honey, sesame oil, hoisin sauce, soy sauce, ginger, and garlic in a small bowl to make the dressing and whisk to combine. Drizzle in the vegetable oil while continuously whisking until emulsified.
- Just before serving, pour the dressing over the salad and toss to incorporate.
Notes
CHECK OUT THESE AWESOME, EASY RECIPES:
- Delicious One Pot Mushroom Chicken and Rice
- Delmonico Potatoes Recipe
- Amazing Peach Dumplings Recipe
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!
