Mandarin Chicken Salad

Mandarin Chicken Salad Recipe - Authentic Chinese Cuisine

Region / culture: China | Preparation time: 30 minutes | Cooking time: 15 minutes | Servings: 4

Introduction

Mandarin Chicken Salad is a refreshing and flavorful dish that combines tender grilled chicken with crisp lettuce, juicy mandarin oranges, crunchy chow mein noodles, and a delicious sesame dressing. This salad is perfect for a light and satisfying meal.

History

The origins of Mandarin Chicken Salad are not entirely clear, but it is believed to have been inspired by Asian cuisine. The combination of chicken, mandarin oranges, and sesame dressing is a popular flavor profile in many Asian dishes.

Ingredients

4 chicken breast fillets
1 large head iceberg lettuce, chopped
4 cups red leaf lettuce, chopped
1 cup diced tomato
1 cup chopped cucumber
6 radishes sliced
0.5 cup red onion thinly sliced
2 cups canned mandarin orange wedges
1.5 cups dry chow mein noodles
1.5 cups roasted sliced almonds (teriyaki ones are best)

Sesame Dressing

0.5 cup corn syrup
3 tbsp white distilled vinegar
2 tbsp pineapple juice
4 tsp granulated sugar
1 tbsp light brown sugar
1 tbsp rice wine vinegar
1 tbsp soy sauce
1 tsp sesame oil
0.25 tsp ground mustard
0.25 tsp ground ginger
0.13 tsp salt
0.13 tsp paprika
a dash of garlic powder
a dash of ground black pepper
0.5 cup vegetable oil
0.5 tsp sesame seeds

How to prepare

Prepare the dressing by combining all dressing ingredients except vegetable oil and sesame seeds in a blender on high speed.
Slowly add the oil to the mixture to create an emulsion.
Add sesame seeds and blend for just a couple of seconds.
Pour the dressing into a covered container, such as a dressing cruet, and chill until needed.
Rub each chicken breast fillet with oil, then lightly salt and pepper each piece.
Grill the chicken on medium/high heat until it is done.
Chill the chicken breasts in the refrigerator until they are cold.
When the chicken is cold, build each salad by first tossing and arranging about 4 cups of iceberg lettuce and red leaf lettuce in the bottom of a large salad bowl or on a plate.
Sprinkle the remaining salad ingredients over the lettuce, including tomato, cucumber, radishes, and red onion.
Dice the chicken breasts into bite-size pieces and sprinkle the pieces onto each salad.
Arrange about 0.33 cup of mandarin orange wedges on each salad.
Next, sprinkle about 0.25 cup of dry chow mein noodles and 0.25 cup of roasted sliced almonds on top of each salad.
Add the desired amount of sesame dressing and serve.

Variations

Add sliced bell peppers or snap peas for extra crunch and color.
Substitute grilled shrimp or tofu for the chicken for a different protein option.
Use a different type of nut, such as cashews or peanuts, in place of almonds.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Make sure to grill the chicken until it is fully cooked but still juicy and tender.

- Chill the chicken before adding it to the salad to keep it cold and refreshing.

- Toss the lettuce and other salad ingredients with the dressing just before serving to keep everything crisp and fresh.

Serving Suggestions

Mandarin Chicken Salad can be served as a light lunch or dinner on its own, or as a side dish to accompany other Asian-inspired dishes.

Cooking Techniques

Grilling the chicken adds a delicious smoky flavor to the salad, while also keeping the chicken juicy and tender.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you don't have mandarin oranges, you can use fresh orange segments or canned pineapple chunks as a substitute.

Make Ahead Tips

You can prepare the dressing and grill the chicken ahead of time, then assemble the salad just before serving to keep everything fresh.

Presentation Ideas

Serve Mandarin Chicken Salad in a large salad bowl or on individual plates, garnished with extra sesame seeds and a wedge of lime for squeezing.

Pairing Recommendations

Pair Mandarin Chicken Salad with a light and crisp white wine, such as a Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio, to complement the flavors of the dish.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftover Mandarin Chicken Salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat the chicken before serving, if desired.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of Mandarin Chicken Salad contains approximately 400 calories.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of Mandarin Chicken Salad contains approximately 30 grams of carbohydrates.

Fats

Each serving of Mandarin Chicken Salad contains approximately 20 grams of fats.

Proteins

Each serving of Mandarin Chicken Salad contains approximately 25 grams of proteins.

Vitamins and minerals

Mandarin Chicken Salad is rich in vitamins and minerals, including vitamin C from the mandarin oranges and various nutrients from the vegetables.

Alergens

This recipe contains nuts (almonds) and soy (soy sauce), which may be allergens for some individuals.

Summary

Mandarin Chicken Salad is a balanced and nutritious meal that provides a good mix of carbohydrates, fats, proteins, vitamins, and minerals.

Summary

Mandarin Chicken Salad is a delicious and nutritious dish that is perfect for a light and refreshing meal. With its combination of flavors and textures, this salad is sure to become a favorite in your recipe collection.

How did I get this recipe?

The memory of discovering this recipe for the first time is a happy memory that I hold close to my heart. It was many years ago, back when I was just a young girl with a passion for cooking and a curiosity for trying new recipes.

I remember it like it was yesterday - I was visiting my Aunt Mildred, who was known for her delicious homemade dishes. As soon as I walked into her kitchen, I could smell the mouthwatering aroma of something cooking on the stove. Curious to see what she was making, I peeked over her shoulder and saw her chopping up fresh vegetables and grilling some chicken.

"What are you making, Aunt Mildred?" I asked eagerly, my stomach growling in anticipation.

"Oh, just a little something I like to call Mandarin Chicken Salad," she replied with a twinkle in her eye. "It's a family recipe that's been passed down for generations."

Intrigued by the exotic name and the tantalizing smells coming from the kitchen, I begged her to show me how to make it. With a chuckle, she handed me an apron and put me to work, teaching me each step of the recipe with patience and love.

First, we marinated the chicken in a flavorful mixture of soy sauce, ginger, and garlic, letting it soak up all the delicious flavors before grilling it to perfection. While the chicken cooked, we prepared the salad - tossing together crisp lettuce, juicy mandarin oranges, crunchy almonds, and a zesty dressing made with sesame oil and rice vinegar.

As we sat down to enjoy the finished dish, I took my first bite of the Mandarin Chicken Salad and was instantly transported to a world of flavor and happiness. The combination of sweet and savory, crunchy and tender, was like nothing I had ever tasted before. I knew in that moment that this recipe would become a staple in my own kitchen for years to come.

Over the years, I have made Aunt Mildred's Mandarin Chicken Salad countless times, each time adding my own little twist to make it my own. I have shared the recipe with friends and family, who have all raved about its deliciousness and begged for more.

But no matter how many times I make it, that first memory of discovering the recipe will always hold a special place in my heart. It was the moment when I truly fell in love with cooking - a passion that has brought me joy and fulfillment ever since.

So here's to Aunt Mildred and her amazing Mandarin Chicken Salad recipe - a dish that has brought me so much happiness and culinary delight over the years. May it continue to be a favorite in my kitchen for many more years to come.