Crunchy Mandarin Chicken Salad

Discovering a Flavorful Twist

My Favorite is Crunchy Mandarin Chicken Salad and I still remember the first time I tasted a Crunchy Mandarin Chicken Salad. It was a warm summer afternoon, and I was looking for something light but satisfying. I had just returned from the farmer’s market, and the fresh ingredients were calling out to me. I decided to try a new recipe, blending the sweetness of mandarin oranges with the crunch of ramen noodles. The combination sounded unusual, but I was excited to experiment.

A Symphony of Textures

As I chopped the romaine lettuce and shredded the purple cabbage, I could already tell this salad was going to be special. The vibrant colors of the vegetables mixed with the juicy mandarin oranges were visually stunning. When I added the crushed ramen noodles, the salad transformed. The noodles added a surprising crunch that paired perfectly with the tender chicken and crisp veggies. Tossing it all together with a homemade dressing made the flavors come alive.

The Perfect Dressing

Creating the dressing was like adding the final brushstrokes to a masterpiece. I whisked together rice vinegar, honey, sesame oil, and hoisin sauce, savoring the aroma of the ginger and garlic. The dressing was tangy, sweet, and just a bit savory. Drizzling it over the salad and watching it coat the ingredients evenly felt like a little culinary triumph. The salad was now ready to shine.

Sharing the Joy

When I served the Crunchy Mandarin Chicken Salad to my friends, their reactions were priceless. The crispness of the ramen noodles and the refreshing taste of the mandarin oranges were a hit. It was the perfect dish for a summer gathering, light yet full of flavor. As we enjoyed the salad together, I felt a sense of accomplishment and joy, knowing that this simple creation had brought so much delight.

Chef’s Notes-Crunchy Mandarin Chicken Salad

• Use fresh vegetables and ingredients for the best flavor and texture. The salad is most delicious when served immediately after tossing with the dressing.
• To maintain the crunchiness of the ramen noodles, add them just before serving. If you’re prepping in advance, keep the noodles separate from the salad and add them right before you serve.
• For a complete meal, consider pairing the salad with grilled shrimp, tofu, or chicken if you want extra protein.
• If you have leftover dressing, store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week. Shake well before using again.
• Feel free to add extra crunchy vegetables like bell peppers, snap peas, or radishes for additional texture and flavor. Adjust the ingredients to suit your taste preferences.

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Crunchy Mandarin Chicken Salad

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Course: Main Course, SaladCuisine: American, ChineseDifficulty: Easy

Servings

4

servings

Prep time

15

minutes

Cooking time

5

minutes

Calories

216

kcal

Total time

20

minutes

Dive into this delightful Crunchy Mandarin Chicken Salad! Inspired by a classic favorite, this salad is a symphony of sweet, savory, and crunchy textures. With fresh veggies, juicy mandarin oranges, and the unexpected crunch of uncooked ramen noodles, it’s a refreshing and satisfying dish perfect for any occasion. The homemade dressing ties it all together beautifully. Get ready to impress your taste buds!

Ingredients

• Salad

• 3 cups chopped romaine or iceberg lettuce

• 2 cups shredded purple cabbage

• 2 cups cooked and shredded chicken breast

• 1/2 cup canned mandarin segments, drained

• 1 packet instant ramen noodles, crushed (discard seasoning)

• 1/2 cup grated carrots

• 1/3 cup thinly sliced scallions

• 1/4 cup slivered almonds

• Dressing

• 3 tablespoons rice vinegar

• 2 tablespoons natural honey

• 1 tablespoon toasted sesame oil

• 1 tablespoon hoisin sauce

• 2 tablespoons soy sauce

• 1 teaspoon freshly grated ginger

• 1 clove garlic, finely minced

• 1/4 cup neutral vegetable oil

Directions

• Prepare the Salad Base – In a large mixing bowl, combine the chopped romaine or iceberg lettuce with the shredded purple cabbage and cooked chicken breast. Add the drained mandarin segments and grated carrots.
• Add Crunch Elements – Crush the instant ramen noodles and sprinkle them over the salad mixture along with the thinly sliced scallions and slivered almonds.
• Whisk the Dressing – In a small bowl, whisk together the rice vinegar, honey, sesame oil, hoisin sauce, soy sauce, freshly grated ginger, and minced garlic. Gradually drizzle in the vegetable oil while whisking continuously until the dressing is well emulsified.
• Combine and Serve – Just before serving, pour the dressing over the salad and toss everything together until evenly coated. Serve immediately to maintain the crunchiness of the ramen noodles.

Equipment

• chef’s knife
• cutting board
• Mixing bowls
• measuring cups and spoons

Nutrition Facts

• Calories: 216kcal
• Fat: 10g
• Saturated Fat: 1g
• Cholesterol: 30mg
• Sodium: 400mg
• Potassium: 350mg
• Carbohydrates: 18g
• Fiber: 3g
• Sugar: 10g
• Protein: 15g
• Vitamin A: 120IU
• Vitamin C: 60mg
• Calcium: 8mg
• Iron: 10mg

FAQ-Crunchy Mandarin Chicken Salad

Can I make this salad ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the salad ingredients and dressing in advance, but keep the ramen noodles separate until just before serving to maintain their crunch.

What can I use instead of ramen noodles?

If you prefer not to use ramen noodles, try substituting with crispy chow mein noodles or even toasted pine nuts for a different crunch.

Can I use a different type of lettuce?

Absolutely! You can substitute romaine or iceberg lettuce with mixed greens, spinach, or any other type of leafy greens you prefer.

How can I make this salad vegetarian?

To make the salad vegetarian, replace the chicken with tofu or tempeh. Ensure you use a vegetarian-friendly hoisin sauce and soy sauce.

Is there a gluten-free option for the soy sauce?

Yes, you can use tamari or a gluten-free soy sauce alternative to make this salad gluten-free.