| Prep: 20 mins | Cook: 0 mins | Difficulty: Easy | Serves: 6 |
| kcal | fat | saturates | carbs |
| 487 | 27.4g | 6.2g | 30.5g |
| sugars | fibre | protein | salt |
| 19.2g | 5.8g | 37.9g | 1.2g |
When it comes to dishes that beautifully bridge the gap between West Coast freshness and flavors of my Gujarati heritage, the Mandarine Chicken Salad checks all the boxes. It is the perfect visual and taste symphony that fuses the light citrusy undertones of mandarin oranges with the rustic charm of shredded rotisserie chicken. This dish has been a family favorite and a go-to during spring gatherings at our home.
A Symphony of Flavors and Health Benefits
Every mouthful of the Mandarine Chicken Salad brings together a divine melange of flavors – the sweet and tangy mandarins, the creamy crunch of toasted almonds, the mild pungency of green onions, and the rich fattiness of avocado. Then, there’s the feta cheese, lending a pleasantly salty note that ties it all together.
What’s more, each ingredient in this recipe packs a punch both in terms of taste, and health benefits. Mandarin oranges are rich in vitamin C and antioxidants, perfect for boosting your immune system. Chicken offers a lean source of protein which is necessary for muscle health. Almonds and avocados are excellent sources of healthy fats that contribute to heart health while greens and cranberries provide fiber for digestive health.
Dressing Up the Dish
But the real star that elevates this salad, in my opinion, is the dressing – a lovely concoction of honey, apple cider vinegar, olive oil, and Dijon mustard. This dressing combination creates a burst of flavors that blend harmoniously with the salad, making the Mandarine Chicken Salad a complete meal in itself.
If you’re into fusion dishes like me, you’ll love experimenting with different dressings. For instance, you may want to try blending this with elements of Indian mustard seed and turmeric dressings. The dressing in this salad lends an earthy note and would work great as an alternative for a more Indian flavor twist to my Mandarine Chicken Salad.
A wonderful companion to this salad would be some freshly made onion naan or grilled fish tacos for a beautifully balanced meal. These dishes carry similar flavor profiles and incorporate a healthful approach to dining without sacrificing taste.
So, if you’re looking for a salad that sparks joy and transcends the ordinary, the Mandarine Chicken Salad is the recipe for you. Enjoy this wonderful consolidation of flavors and health, and let me know how your experience goes! Cheers to good health and gourmet at home!
What You’ll Need
- 3 cups of shredded rotisserie chicken
- 6 peeled and segmented mandarin oranges
- 6 cups of mixed salad greens
- 1/2 cup of sliced almonds, toasted
- 1/2 cup of dried cranberries
- 1 diced avocado
- 2 thinly sliced green onions
- 1 cup of crumbled feta cheese
- For the dressing:
- 2 tablespoons of honey
- 1/3 cup of apple cider vinegar
- 1/2 cup of olive oil
- 1 tablespoon of Dijon mustard
- Salt and pepper to taste
Method
Step One
Start by preparing and combining all your salad ingredients in a large bowl. This includes your 3 cups of shredded rotisserie chicken, 6 cups of mixed salad greens, 6 peeled and segmented mandarin oranges, 1/2 cup of toasted sliced almonds, 1/2 cup dried cranberries, 1 diced avocado, 2 thinly sliced green onions and 1 cup crumbled feta cheese.
Step Two
Next, you’ll need to whip up your dressing. In a smaller bowl, mix together your 2 tablespoons of honey, 1/3 cup apple cider vinegar, 1/2 cup of olive oil, 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard. Season your dressing with salt and pepper to taste.
Step Three
Once your dressing is thoroughly mixed, gradually pour it over your salad while tossing the salad ingredients together. Ensure all the ingredients are well-coated with the dressing. Add more salt and pepper to taste, if needed.
Step Four
Give the salad a few minutes to rest, allowing the flavors to meld together before serving. Enjoy your Mandarine Chicken Salad as a complete meal or as a delightful side dish.
