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An Easy And Healthy Chicken Salad Recipe with Mandarins

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star 5 from 7 reviews
  • Author: nocrumbsleft
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 15 minutes
  • Total Time: 35 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings
  • Category: Salad
  • Method: Stove top
  • Cuisine: Asian
  • Diet: Gluten Free

Description

This Whole30, healthy chicken salad recipe is all about the prep and combines some fantastic flavors inspired by Chinese Chicken Salad.


Ingredients

For the Dressing:

2 – 3 dates

½ cup light olive oil

2 tablespoons toasted sesame oil

2 teaspoons coconut aminos

3 tablespoons almond butter

1 tablespoon rice vinegar

 

For the Chicken:

6 chicken thighs, boneless and skinless, cut into ½-inch cubes

½ teaspoon kosher salt

½ teaspoon Five Spice

¼ teaspoon garlic powder

¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

2 tablespoons + 1 teaspoon extra virgin olive oil, divided

 

For the Salad:

8 cups shredded cabbage (we used green and purple cabbage)

1 teaspoon kosher salt

½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

2 cups julienned carrots                

½ cup green onion, sliced

½ cup slivered almonds

One 10.7 ounce can Whole 30 compliant mandarin oranges, drained

1 teaspoon black sesame seeds, for garnish (optional)


Instructions

Make the dressing:

  1. Chop the dates into small pieces. Soften the dates in hot water for 10 minutes and drain. 
  2. Blend the dates, olive oil, and sesame oil in a food processor until emulsified (approximately 1-2 minutes). Add all other ingredients to the food processor and pulse until completely combined. Scrape down the sides of the processor as needed. Set aside.

Make the chicken:

  1. In a small bowl, combine the salt, Five Spice, garlic powder, and pepper to make a spice mixture. Stir to mix well. Set aside.
  2. Place the chicken in a large bowl. Drizzle the chicken with 1 teaspoon olive oil and toss to coat. Sprinkle with the spice mixture and toss to coat thoroughly and evenly. Set aside.
  3. In a large skillet, heat 2 tablespoons olive oil over medium-high heat. Place the chicken in a pan in a single layer and cook until crispy and brown, about 4 minutes. Flip each piece over and cook until done about 2 minutes. Remove from heat and set aside.

Make the salad:

  1. In a large bowl, add the shredded cabbage and carrots, 1 teaspoon salt, and ½ teaspoon pepper, tossing to coat evenly. Add the green onions, almonds, mandarin oranges, and chicken bits. Add ½ cup of the dressing and toss to coat thoroughly. Serve garnished with black sesame seeds and the remaining dressing on the side. Enjoy!

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 bowl
  • Calories: 985
  • Sugar: 30.3 g
  • Sodium: 823.7 mg
  • Fat: 67.8 g
  • Carbohydrates: 49 g
  • Protein: 54.6 g
  • Cholesterol: 210.1 mg