Crispy Oriental Chicken Salad with Mandarin Oranges
This Crispy Oriental Chicken Salad is a delightful blend of fresh romaine lettuce, juicy mandarin oranges, and savory roasted chicken, topped with the crunch of slivered almonds and crispy chow mein noodles. The homemade poppy seed dressing adds a sweet and tangy flavor that perfectly complements the salad's vibrant ingredients. It's a quick and healthy option that's perfect for weeknight dinners or a light lunch. Serve it up and enjoy the delicious flavors and textures in every bite!
N/A
Servings
133
Calories
10
Ingredients
Ingredients
Romaine lettuce
1 (12-ounce bag, chopped)
Poppy seeds
2-3 (tablespoons)
Slivered almonds
1 (2-ounce bag)
Roasted chicken breasts
1 (9-ounce package, shredded or chopped)
Mandarin oranges
1 (15-ounce can, drained)
Chow mein noodles
1/2 (of a 5-ounce can)
Canola oil
3/4 (cup)
Balsamic vinegar
1/2 (cup)
Sugar
2 (tablespoons)
Salt
1 (teaspoon)
Instructions
1
In a large salad bowl, combine the romaine lettuce, mandarin oranges, roasted chicken, slivered almonds, poppy seeds, and chow mein noodles.
2
In a separate bowl, whisk together the canola oil, balsamic vinegar, sugar, and salt until well combined to create a dressing.
3
Pour the dressing over the salad mixture and toss gently to coat all the ingredients evenly.
4
Serve immediately for the freshest taste, or chill for up to 30 minutes before serving for enhanced flavor.
Nutrition Information
9.3g
Fat
10.8g
Carbs
5g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the main ingredients of the Crispy Oriental Chicken Salad?
The salad consists of romaine lettuce, mandarin oranges, roasted chicken, slivered almonds, poppy seeds, and chow mein noodles.
How do you make the poppy seed dressing?
Whisk together canola oil, balsamic vinegar, sugar, and salt until well combined to create a sweet and tangy dressing.
Can I use a different type of lettuce?
Yes, while romaine provides a nice crunch, you can substitute it with spinach, spring mix, or shredded cabbage.
What kind of chicken is best for this recipe?
The recipe calls for a 9-ounce package of roasted chicken breasts, which can be shredded or chopped.
Should I use fresh or canned mandarin oranges?
The recipe specifically uses a 15-ounce can of mandarin oranges that have been drained.
Is this chicken salad a healthy option?
Yes, it is a healthy choice containing fresh greens, lean protein, and healthy fats, totaling about 133 calories per serving.
How do I incorporate the chow mein noodles?
Add half of a 5-ounce can of chow mein noodles directly into the salad bowl with the other dry ingredients.
Can I substitute the canola oil in the dressing?
Yes, you can use other neutral oils like vegetable oil or avocado oil if you prefer.
What type of vinegar is used for the homemade dressing?
This recipe uses balsamic vinegar to provide a rich, tangy flavor profile.
Can this salad be made vegetarian?
Absolutely; simply omit the chicken or replace it with a plant-based protein like tofu or chickpeas.
How many calories are in a serving of this salad?
There are approximately 133 calories per serving of this salad.
What provides the crunch in this Oriental salad?
The crunch comes from the slivered almonds, crispy chow mein noodles, and fresh romaine lettuce.
Can I prepare the poppy seed dressing in advance?
Yes, you can whisk the dressing ingredients together and store it in a jar in the refrigerator until you are ready to serve.
Should I chill the salad before serving?
You can serve it immediately or chill it for up to 30 minutes to help the flavors meld together.
What is the protein content per serving?
This salad provides 5 grams of protein per serving.
Is this Oriental chicken salad gluten-free?
No, chow mein noodles typically contain wheat. To make it gluten-free, replace them with a gluten-free alternative or extra nuts.
Can I use rotisserie chicken instead of roasted chicken breasts?
Yes, shredded rotisserie chicken is an excellent and convenient substitute for roasted chicken breasts.
How much fat is in one serving of this salad?
One serving contains approximately 9.3 grams of fat.
What is the carbohydrate count for this recipe?
This recipe contains 10.8 grams of carbohydrates per serving.
Can I use fresh oranges instead of canned ones?
Yes, fresh mandarin or clementine segments work well, though canned ones are very convenient.
How do I prevent the salad from getting soggy?
To maintain the crispiness, wait to add the dressing and chow mein noodles until just before you are ready to eat.
Can I swap the balsamic vinegar for rice vinegar?
Yes, rice vinegar is a great alternative that complements the oriental flavor profile of the salad.
What should I do if I do not have poppy seeds?
You can omit them or replace them with toasted sesame seeds for a similar visual and texture.
Is this recipe suitable for a quick weeknight meal?
Yes, it is designed as a quick and easy recipe that is perfect for busy weeknights.
How many ingredients are required in total?
There are 10 main ingredients including the items for both the salad and the dressing.
Can I add other vegetables to this salad?
Yes, shredded carrots, sliced cucumbers, or edamame would make great additional toppings.
Why is this called an easy recipe?
It is considered easy because it involves minimal prep and mostly tossing pre-prepared ingredients together.
How much sugar is used in the dressing?
The dressing uses 2 tablespoons of sugar to balance the acidity of the vinegar.
Can I use olive oil instead of canola oil?
While olive oil has a stronger flavor, a light-tasting olive oil can be used as a substitute in the dressing.
How much salt is included in the dressing?
The recipe calls for 1 teaspoon of salt to season the poppy seed dressing.