Looking for a vibrant and refreshing dish that’s not only delicious but also packed with nutrition? Dive into our Clean Eating Mandarin Orange Chicken Salad with Dried Cranberries! This delightful salad combines tender shredded chicken with the sweet juiciness of mandarin oranges and the tartness of dried cranberries, all nestled atop a bed of crisp mixed greens. Perfect for a quick lunch or a light dinner, this recipe is ready in just 35 minutes and is sure to impress your family and friends. Get ready to tantalize your taste buds and elevate your meal prep game with this colorful, wholesome salad that’s as easy to make as it is to enjoy!
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 20 mins
Total Time: 35 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded
- 1 cup mandarin orange segments
- 1/2 cup dried cranberries
- 4 cups mixed salad greens
- 1/4 cup sliced almonds
- 1/4 cup red onion, thinly sliced
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Begin by preparing all your ingredients. Ensure the cooked chicken is shredded into bite-sized pieces. If you haven't done so already, drain the mandarin orange segments and pat them dry with a paper towel to remove excess moisture.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the shredded chicken, mandarin orange segments, dried cranberries, mixed salad greens, sliced almonds, and thinly sliced red onion. Gently toss the ingredients together to ensure an even distribution.
- In a separate small bowl, prepare the dressing by whisking together the olive oil and apple cider vinegar. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Adjust the seasoning according to your preference.
- Drizzle the dressing over the salad mixture and toss gently to coat all the ingredients evenly with the dressing. Be careful not to crush the mandarin oranges while mixing.
- Once the salad is well combined, taste and adjust the seasoning if necessary. If desired, you can add more dried cranberries or almonds for extra flavor and texture.
- Let the salad sit for about 5 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together before serving. This will enhance the taste of the salad.
- Serve the Clean Eating Mandarin Orange Chicken Salad immediately in individual bowls or on a large serving platter. Enjoy your healthy and refreshing meal!
Tips
- Prep Ahead: To save time during busy weekdays, consider shredding the chicken and prepping the salad ingredients in advance. Store them separately in the fridge until you're ready to assemble the salad.
- Choose Quality Ingredients: Use fresh, high-quality salad greens and ripe mandarin oranges for the best flavor. Organic ingredients can enhance the overall taste and nutritional value.
- Customize Your Salad: Feel free to add additional toppings like avocado, feta cheese, or even a sprinkle of sesame seeds for extra texture and flavor.
- Adjust the Dressing: If you prefer a creamier dressing, consider adding a dollop of Greek yogurt or a splash of honey to the olive oil and apple cider vinegar mixture.
- Let it Marinate: Allowing the salad to sit for about 5 minutes after tossing will help the flavors meld together beautifully, making each bite even more delicious.
- Serve Fresh: This salad is best enjoyed fresh, but if you have leftovers, store the dressing separately to keep the greens crisp.
- Perfect Pairing: This salad pairs wonderfully with whole-grain bread or quinoa for a heartier meal, making it versatile for any dining occasion.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 350kcal
Carbohydrates: 25g
Protein: 25g
Fat: 18g
Saturated Fat: 3g
Cholesterol: 70mg
