This Mandarin Chicken Salad with Lemon Vinaigrette is a delightful twist on the classic chicken salad. It’s perfect for any occasion, whether serving as a light lunch or a refreshing dinner. The combination of sweet mandarins, tender chicken, creamy avocado, and a zesty lemon vinaigrette makes this dish not only flavorful but also visually appealing. Enjoy this vibrant salad that brings together a medley of textures and tastes!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Fresh Ingredients: This salad features fresh produce like spinach and mandarins, ensuring each bite is packed with flavor and nutrients.
- Quick Preparation: With just 10 minutes of prep time, this dish is perfect for busy weeknights or last-minute gatherings.
- Versatile Serving Options: Serve it as a main course or as a side dish; it’s suitable for family dinners, potlucks, or summer picnics.
- Healthy Choice: With lean chicken and plenty of vegetables, this salad is nutritious without sacrificing taste.
- Zingy Dressing: The homemade lemon vinaigrette adds a bright kick that enhances the overall flavor profile of the salad.
Tools and Preparation
To make your Mandarin Chicken Salad with Lemon Vinaigrette, you’ll need some essential tools to streamline your cooking process.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Baking dish
- Mixing bowl
- Fork or stand mixer
- Whisk
Importance of Each Tool
- Baking dish: Ideal for marinating and baking chicken evenly.
- Mixing bowl: Perfect for tossing all ingredients together to create a harmonious blend of flavors.
- Fork or stand mixer: Makes shredding the cooked chicken quick and easy.
- Whisk: Ensures your vinaigrette is well combined and emulsified for maximum flavor.

Ingredients
This Mandarin chicken salad ups the ante of what a chicken salad can be. It’s piled high with sweet mandarins, shredded chicken, avocado, crunchy toppings, and tossed with a zingy lemon vinaigrette.
For the Chicken
- 2 boneless skinless chicken breasts
For the Salad Base
- 5 cups baby spinach
- 4 mandarins (peeled and separated)
- 1 avocado (ripe and diced)
- 1 English cucumber (sliced)
- 2 green onions (chopped)
For the Crunch
- ¼ cup slivered almonds
- sprinkle black and white sesame seeds
For the Dressing
- 1 recipe lemon vinaigrette
How to Make Mandarin Chicken Salad with Lemon Vinaigrette
Step 1: Marinate the Chicken
- Mix the vinaigrette ingredients together in a small bowl.
- Pour 3/4 of the vinaigrette into a container along with the chicken breasts to marinate. Aim for at least 30 minutes for optimal flavor absorption.
Step 2: Bake the Chicken
- Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).
- Place the marinated chicken breasts in a baking dish.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes until cooked through.
Step 3: Shred the Chicken
- Once cooked, remove the chicken from the oven.
- Use either a fork or stand mixer to shred the chicken into bite-sized pieces.
Step 4: Assemble the Salad
- In a large mixing bowl, add baby spinach, mandarins, diced avocado, sliced cucumber, chopped green onions, slivered almonds, and shredded chicken.
- Drizzle with the remaining lemon vinaigrette and toss gently to combine all ingredients evenly.
Enjoy your deliciously refreshing Mandarin Chicken Salad with Lemon Vinaigrette!
How to Serve Mandarin Chicken Salad with Lemon Vinaigrette
Serving your Mandarin chicken salad is just as important as preparing it. The vibrant colors and flavors can elevate any meal, making it perfect for various occasions.
As a Standalone Meal
- Serve it chilled or at room temperature for a refreshing lunch or dinner option.
In a Wrap
- Use large lettuce leaves or whole wheat tortillas to create a healthy wrap filled with the salad.
With Grilled Bread
- Pair the salad with toasted baguette slices or garlic bread for a satisfying crunch.
On a Bed of Greens
- Serve the salad over additional greens like arugula or mixed greens for an extra nutrient boost.
How to Perfect Mandarin Chicken Salad with Lemon Vinaigrette
Perfecting your Mandarin chicken salad is all about balancing flavors and textures. Here are some tips to enhance your dish.
- Use ripe avocados: Choose avocados that yield slightly to pressure for creaminess and flavor.
- Marinate longer: Allowing the chicken to marinate in the lemon vinaigrette for several hours will deepen the flavor.
- Add fresh herbs: Toss in fresh herbs like cilantro or mint for an aromatic touch.
- Mix textures: Incorporate crunchy toppings such as sunflower seeds or crispy tortilla strips for added interest.
- Balance sweetness: Adjust the amount of mandarins based on your preference for sweetness in the salad.
Best Side Dishes for Mandarin Chicken Salad with Lemon Vinaigrette
Complementing your Mandarin chicken salad with delightful side dishes can create a well-rounded meal. Here are some great options:
- Quinoa Pilaf: A flavorful mix of quinoa, vegetables, and herbs adds protein and texture.
- Roasted Vegetables: Toss seasonal vegetables with olive oil and roast until caramelized for a savory side.
- Fruit Salad: A light fruit salad with berries and melons enhances the freshness of your meal.
- Garlic Roasted Potatoes: Crispy garlic potatoes make for a hearty addition alongside your salad.
- Couscous Salad: Fluffy couscous mixed with veggies, nuts, and a light dressing complements the main dish beautifully.
- Caprese Skewers: Mozzarella, basil, and cherry tomatoes on skewers provide easy finger food that pairs well with the salad.
- Hummus with Veggies: A platter of hummus served with carrots, cucumbers, and bell peppers offers healthy snacking options.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Avoiding common mistakes can enhance your Mandarin chicken salad experience. Here are some pitfalls to watch for:
- Bold flavorless chicken: Skipping the marination step can lead to bland chicken. Always marinate for at least 30 minutes to enhance flavor.
- Bold overcooked chicken: Cooking chicken too long will dry it out. Use a meat thermometer to ensure it reaches 165°F for juicy results.
- Bold soggy salad: Adding dressing too early can make the salad soggy. Toss with vinaigrette just before serving for freshness.
- Bold mismatched ingredients: Using stale or overly ripe produce can ruin the dish. Always choose fresh, high-quality ingredients for the best taste.
- Bold neglecting texture: Forgetting crunchy toppings leads to a one-note salad. Include nuts or seeds for added texture and interest.

Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store leftover Mandarin chicken salad in an airtight container.
- It will keep well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Freezing Mandarin Chicken Salad with Lemon Vinaigrette
- It’s not recommended to freeze this salad due to the texture changes in fresh ingredients.
- If you must freeze, store only the cooked chicken separately and add fresh ingredients upon thawing.
Reheating Mandarin Chicken Salad with Lemon Vinaigrette
- Oven: Preheat to 350°F and heat chicken in a covered dish until warmed through, about 10-15 minutes.
- Microwave: Heat in short intervals (30 seconds), stirring in between until warm.
- Stovetop: Warm chicken in a skillet over medium heat, stirring occasionally until heated thoroughly.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some frequently asked questions about making Mandarin Chicken Salad with Lemon Vinaigrette.
How do I make Mandarin Chicken Salad with Lemon Vinaigrette?
To make this salad, start by marinating cooked chicken in lemon vinaigrette, then bake, shred, and mix with fresh veggies and mandarins.
Can I customize my Mandarin Chicken Salad with Lemon Vinaigrette?
Absolutely! Feel free to add your favorite nuts, seeds, or other fruits like apples or berries for extra flavor and nutrition.
What should I serve with Mandarin Chicken Salad with Lemon Vinaigrette?
This salad pairs wonderfully with crusty bread or as a side dish alongside grilled meats or seafood.
Is Mandarin Chicken Salad with Lemon Vinaigrette healthy?
Yes! This salad is packed with nutrients from spinach, avocado, and protein from chicken, making it a wholesome choice for any meal.
Final Thoughts
The Mandarin Chicken Salad with Lemon Vinaigrette is not only refreshing but also versatile enough to suit many tastes. With sweet mandarins and crunchy toppings, it’s perfect for lunch or dinner. Feel free to customize it by adding your favorite ingredients!
Mandarin Chicken Salad with Lemon Vinaigrette
Indulge in a refreshing and vibrant Mandarin Chicken Salad with Lemon Vinaigrette that brings a burst of flavor to your table. This delightful dish combines tender shredded chicken, sweet mandarins, creamy avocado, and crisp baby spinach, all tossed together with a zesty homemade lemon vinaigrette. Perfect for lunch or dinner, this salad is an excellent choice for busy weeknights or casual gatherings. With its medley of textures and bright flavors, it promises to be a crowd-pleaser while keeping your meal light and nutritious.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4
- Category: Salad
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
- 2 boneless skinless chicken breasts
- 5 cups baby spinach
- 4 mandarins, peeled and separated
- 1 ripe avocado, diced
- 1 English cucumber, sliced
- 2 green onions, chopped
- ¼ cup slivered almonds
- Lemon vinaigrette (homemade)
Instructions
- Marinate the chicken in lemon vinaigrette for at least 30 minutes.
- Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C). Bake the marinated chicken for 20-25 minutes until cooked through.
- Shred the chicken into bite-sized pieces using a fork or stand mixer.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine baby spinach, mandarins, avocado, cucumber, green onions, slivered almonds, and shredded chicken.
- Drizzle with remaining lemon vinaigrette and toss gently to combine.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 360
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 230mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fiber: 10g
- Protein: 27g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
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