Filling & satisfying, plus the kids will love the flavors of this No Cook Crunchy Mandarin Chicken Salad.
I don’t mess around with the “for-the-birds” salads, no ma’am. I go all in: full & hearty, lick the bowl, “any more of that left?” kind of salad. And, that’s exactly what this NO COOK Crunchy Mandarin Chicken Salad is.
In a word: SATISFYING.
This No Cook Crunchy Mandarin Chicken Salad is bright, filling AND unexpected. It’s everything you want in a salad AND MORE.
IS THIS THE SAME AS CHINESE CHICKEN SALAD?
Yes–“Chinese” is simply the term often used to describe the flavor profile of the salad. So, all those yummy ginger, soy & sesame flavor vibes you love about Chinese Chicken Salad can be found here!
You’re also going to find that unique ingredient–RAMEN in this dish. I love the use of the uncooked Ramen Noodles that give the perfect crouton substitute & add loads of texture to this hearty salad.
I mean, Ramen in salad…..who knew??
SO. GOOD.
NO COOK CRUNCHY MANDARIN CHICKEN SALAD TOPPINGS
I’m blessed with two kids who devour salad. It’s truly a gift. But, what if your kids aren’t into salads because of the…well, SALAD?
Deconstruct it. Yep, reserve a few hunks of chicken, a bowl of oranges, carrot sticks & let them nosh on a hunk of baguette to round it all out.
Don’t sacrifice your tastebuds for their toddler palates. Work around them & get the WIN-WIN on this one. Also, if you’ve got an allergy kid (like I do) substitute! Normally, this style of salad uses peanuts, but because we’ve got a peanut allergy in our home we just use cashews.
No Cook Crunchy Mandarin Chicken Salad is such a forgiving recipe, so don’t hesitate to sub out anything you don’t like for something you do. OR, add to the mix!
Don’t like canned oranges? Sub in some fresh pineapple, or mango. Feel like pulled pork instead of chicken tonight? DO IT. Delish.
SWEETGREEN & CHOPT INSPIRED SALAD
I love a good restaurant salad as much as the next guy….but….it’s NOT cheap.
So, if you (too) like your fancy salads, then you need to try making this at home simply to see how much you’re going to save–it’s crazy.
For the price of one of those pricy salads & a bevvy, you could make this to feed a family of 2 Adults + 2 Kids.
It also requires ZERO real “cooking.” (gasp!)
Yep, and almost ZERO prep, which means we take all the shortcuts on this beauty.
You don’t need mad kitchen skills, energy or a bunch of time to whip this up for dinner tonight.
Crunchy Mandarin Chicken Salad
Filling & satisfying, plus the kids will love the flavors of this No Cook Chinese Chicken Mandarin Salad.
Ingredients
- 6 -9 oz. Rotisserie Chicken
- 6-8 c. Salad Mix
- 1 (15oz) can mandarin oranges
- 1 package ramen noodles
- 1/2 c. chopped peanuts or cashews
- 3 spring (green) onions
- 2/3 c. Asian Dressing (*Ginger Miso Orange dressing by Good & Gather)
- 1 c. Matchstick carrots
- 1/2 cucumber, diced
Instructions
- Dice up 2 chicken breasts from rotisserie style chicken (or roughly 6-9 oz. of pre-cooked chicken)
- Dice cucumber & green onions, as seen on video.
- Drain oranges.
- Chop peanuts (or cashews)
- In a large salad bowl, toss together salad greens, onions, carrots, drained oranges, chicken & cucumber.
- In a ziplock bag place JUST the raw ramen noodles. Then, crush noodles using a rolling pin. Discard seasoning packet.
- When ready to serve, top with dressing, nuts & ramen noodles.
- Serve immediately.
Notes
OPTIONAL SIDE: Hearty Bread or baguette
SALAD FOR DINNER TONIGHT
If your budget just can’t handle another $15 salad for one, then give this a-go. It’s gonna leave you (& whoever you’ve decided to share this with) so incredibly satisfied. And, you may be patting yourself on the back after this one.
Also, here’s a parting tip: go to Super Target & get this Ginger Miso Orange dressing! OMG…my mouth is literally watering as I type this. I think I know what’s for dinner tonight!
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