15-Minute Chicken and Mandarin Salad
A fresh and vibrant salad combining tender rotisserie chicken with sweet mandarin oranges, creamy avocado, and crunchy almonds. The simple sesame-ginger dressing brings Asian-inspired flavors with soy sauce, rice vinegar, and toasted sesame oil. Perfect for a light lunch or dinner, this salad offers a satisfying balance of protein, healthy fats, and refreshing citrus. The quick-soaked red onion adds a mild bite without overwhelming the delicate flavors.
Ingredients
- 2 Tbsp light or neutral oil
- 1 Tbsp rice vinegar
- 4 tsp soy sauce
- 1 tsp toasted sesame oil
- 1 Tbsp brown sugar
- 1 tsp fresh ginger, grated
- ½ Tbsp sesame seeds
- 6 cups salad greensmixed baby greens1:1
Use any tender salad mix you prefer
- 11 oz mandarin oranges, cannedfresh orange segments1:1
Peel and segment fresh oranges for brighter flavor
- 1 rotisserie chicken breast
- ¼ cup sliced almonds
- ¼ small red onion
- ½ avocado
Instructions
- 1
Whisk together oil, vinegar, soy sauce, sesame oil, brown sugar, ginger, and sesame seeds in a small bowl
- 2
Set dressing aside to allow flavors to blend
- 3
Slice red onion very thinly and soak in ice water for a few minutes
- 4
Drain mandarin oranges
- 5
Slice avocado and chop chicken breast
- 6
Place salad greens in bowls
- 7
Top with mandarin segments, chicken, avocado, and drained onion slices
- 8
Whisk dressing once more and drizzle over salads, starting with a small amount
Tips
Soak thinly sliced red onion in ice water to mellow the sharp bite and make it more palatable in the fresh salad.
Start with less dressing than you think you need - the sesame-ginger mixture is potent and you can always add more to taste.
Good to Know
Refrigerate assembled salad for up to 2 days, though avocado may brown slightly
Prepare dressing up to 3 days ahead and store refrigerated
Serve immediately after assembling for best texture and freshness
Common Mistakes
Don't skip soaking the onion to avoid harsh raw onion flavor overwhelming the salad
Substitutions
Use any tender salad mix you prefer
Peel and segment fresh oranges for brighter flavor
FAQ
Can I make this salad ahead of time?
Prepare components separately and assemble just before serving to prevent wilting and browning of avocado.
What can I substitute for mandarin oranges?
Fresh orange segments, grapefruit pieces, or even dried cranberries work well as alternatives.
How long will leftover dressing keep?
Store refrigerated dressing for up to one week in a sealed container, whisking before each use.