This Mandarin Orange Chicken Salad is a refreshing twist on the classic chicken salad. Tender, juicy chicken breasts are combined with crunchy celery, creamy mayonnaise, and tangy Dijon mustard, but what sets this salad apart is the sweet burst of flavor from fresh mandarin oranges. It’s a perfect balance of savory and sweet, making it an ideal dish for a light lunch, picnic, or even a summer dinner. Serve it over a bed of greens or in a sandwich for a delightful meal that’s both easy to make and delicious.
Ingredients:
For the Chicken:
- 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts (pounded to equal thickness)
- Olive oil
- Salt and pepper, to taste
For the Chicken Salad:
- 4 celery stalks, chopped
- ½ cup mayonnaise
- 2 tablespoons stone-ground Dijon mustard
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 5 peeled and segmented Cutie mandarins.
Instructions:
- Cook the Chicken: Preheat your grill or stovetop pan to medium-high heat. Coat the chicken breasts with olive oil and generously sprinkle salt and pepper on both sides. Grill or pan-sear the chicken for 6-7 minutes per side, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C). Let the chicken rest for 5-10 minutes before dicing into bite-sized pieces.
- Prepare the Chicken Salad: In a large mixing bowl, combine the diced chicken, chopped celery, mayonnaise, and Dijon mustard. Mix everything together until evenly coated.
- Add the Mandarin Oranges: Gently fold in the peeled and segmented mandarin oranges, being careful not to break them apart too much. The oranges should remain intact for a beautiful burst of color and flavor.
- Serve: Serve the chicken salad chilled, either on a bed of mixed greens, in a sandwich, or with crackers for a light and refreshing meal. Garnish with extra mandarin slices or a sprinkle of fresh herbs if desired.
Conclusion:
This Mandarin Orange Chicken Salad offers a perfect balance of creamy, tangy, and sweet flavors. The juicy chicken pairs wonderfully with the crisp celery, while the mandarin oranges add a refreshing brightness to the dish. It’s a simple yet elegant meal that can be prepared in advance, making it great for meal prep, picnics, or as a healthy and satisfying lunch. Try it on its own or served in wraps for a refreshing take on chicken salad!
Mandarin Orange Chicken Salad: A Refreshing and Flavorful Delight
Ingredients
For the Chicken:
- 2 lbs boneless skinless chicken breasts (pounded to equal thickness)
- Olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
For the Chicken Salad:
- 4 celery stalks chopped
- ½ cup mayonnaise
- 2 tablespoons stone-ground Dijon mustard
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 5 peeled and segmented Cutie mandarins.
Instructions
- Cook the Chicken: Preheat your grill or stovetop pan to medium-high heat. Coat the chicken breasts with olive oil and generously sprinkle salt and pepper on both sides. Grill or pan-sear the chicken for 6-7 minutes per side, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C). Let the chicken rest for 5-10 minutes before dicing into bite-sized pieces.
- Prepare the Chicken Salad: In a large mixing bowl, combine the diced chicken, chopped celery, mayonnaise, and Dijon mustard. Mix everything together until evenly coated.
- Add the Mandarin Oranges: Gently fold in the peeled and segmented mandarin oranges, being careful not to break them apart too much. The oranges should remain intact for a beautiful burst of color and flavor.
- Serve: Serve the chicken salad chilled, either on a bed of mixed greens, in a sandwich, or with crackers for a light and refreshing meal. Garnish with extra mandarin slices or a sprinkle of fresh herbs if desired.