Mandarin Chicken Salad
Mandarin Chicken Salad is a vibrant, refreshing salad that typically features tender, sliced chicken breast, crisp lettuce, juicy mandarin orange segments, and crunchy toppings like almonds or wonton strips, all tossed in a tangy-sweet dressing. It's a popular dish in American cuisine, often found in casual restaurants and home kitchens as a quick, satisfying meal.
🍽️ Nutrition at a glance
This salad is generally high in protein from the chicken and provides a good balance of healthy fats from nuts or seeds, with a moderate amount of carbs from the fruit and dressing. A typical serving offers around 300-400 calories, along with vitamins like vitamin C from the mandarins and fiber from the greens.
Nutrition breakdown
| Calories | 350 kcal |
| Protein | 25 g |
| Carbs | 20 g |
| Fat | 18 g |
| Fiber | 4 g |
| Sugar | 8 g |
| Sodium | 580 mg |
| Vitamin A | 120 mcg RAE |
| Vitamin C | 15 mg |
| Vitamin K | 70 mcg |
| Folate | 60 mcg DFE |
| Potassium | 350 mg |
| Magnesium | 30 mg |
| Iron | 2.5 mg |
| Calcium | 80 mg |
Per 1 cup (240 g) · estimated, varies by recipe
💡 What's interesting
Culturally, it's a fusion dish that blends Asian-inspired flavors, like mandarin oranges and ginger-based dressings, with Western salad traditions, making it a symbol of modern, health-conscious eating. Nutritionally, it's unique for incorporating fruit into a savory salad, adding natural sweetness and antioxidants without relying on heavy creams or cheeses.
