Mandarin Orange Chicken Salad: A Refreshing and Flavorful Delight
A refreshing chicken salad with juicy mandarinoranges, crunchy celery, and a creamy Dijon mustard dressing. This salad offersa delightful mix of savory and sweet, perfect for a light and satisfying meal.
Prep Time 15 minutes mins
Cook Time 15 minutes mins
Total Time 30 minutes mins
Course Main Course, Salad
Cuisine American
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.
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.