Craving a vibrant, flavorful, and healthier meal that comes together in a flash? Look no further than this delightful Orange Chicken Salad! Forget the heavy, often calorie-laden takeout versions of orange chicken and embrace this fresh, light, and utterly satisfying salad. It’s a brilliant way to transform frozen orange chicken or your favorite breaded chicken pieces into a crisp, nutritious meal that’s bursting with bright citrus notes and savory goodness.
This innovative take on a classic Chinese chicken salad marries perfectly cooked, golden-brown breaded chicken with an invigorating mix of crisp cabbage, juicy mandarin oranges, and fresh, aromatic scallions. What sets this recipe apart is its ingenious dressing: a sweet and tangy orange sauce, lightened with toasted sesame oil, that beautifully complements the ingredients without relying on heavy mayonnaise. The result is a family-friendly dish that feels like a gourmet experience but is remarkably simple to prepare, making it a perfect weeknight dinner or a fantastic option for meal prep.
Why You’ll Love This Healthy Orange Chicken Salad Recipe
Our Orange Chicken Salad is more than just a meal; it’s a culinary hack for busy individuals who want to eat well without compromising on taste or convenience. Here’s why this recipe will quickly become a staple in your kitchen:
- A Healthier Takeout Favorite: By serving orange chicken over a generous bed of fresh vegetables instead of rice, you significantly reduce the calorie count while boosting fiber and nutrient intake. It’s the perfect “takeout fakeout” that leaves you feeling energized, not sluggish.
- Quick & Easy Preparation: With pre-breaded chicken, this salad comes together in about 20 minutes from start to finish. It’s an ideal solution for those hectic weeknights when you need a delicious meal on the table fast.
- Bursting with Flavor: The combination of sweet and savory orange chicken with the fresh, crisp textures of cabbage, the sweetness of mandarin oranges, and the subtle bite of scallions creates a symphony of flavors in every bite. The light orange sauce and aromatic sesame oil tie it all together with an irresistible tang.
- Highly Customizable: This salad is incredibly versatile. Easily adjust the ingredients to suit your preferences, add extra vegetables, or even swap out the protein. It’s a recipe that encourages creativity in the kitchen.
- Family-Friendly Appeal: The familiar flavors of orange chicken combined with a fun, vibrant salad make this a hit with both adults and children. It’s a great way to introduce more vegetables into your family’s diet in an enjoyable way.
- Perfect for Meal Prep: Prepare the components ahead of time, and assemble just before serving for fresh, crispy salads throughout the week. This makes healthy eating effortless.
🍊 Essential Ingredients for Your Tangy Salad
Gathering the right components is key to creating this refreshing and flavorful salad. Here’s a detailed look at what you’ll need:
- 2 cups small breaded chicken pieces: The star of our salad! You can opt for convenience with frozen options like Trader Joe’s orange chicken (which often comes with its own sauce) or prepare air fryer popcorn chicken for a quick crispy bite. Look for varieties that crisp up nicely, as this texture contrast is crucial for the salad.
- ½-1 cup orange sauce: This is where the signature “orange chicken” flavor comes in. If using Trader Joe’s chicken, utilize the sauce packets provided. Otherwise, select your favorite store-bought orange sauce, adjusting the quantity to your taste preference for sweetness and tang. You can also whip up a simple homemade orange sauce with orange juice, soy sauce, ginger, garlic, and a touch of honey or brown sugar.
- 5Âľ cups coleslaw mix: This provides the perfect crunchy base. A pre-packaged mix with shredded cabbage and carrots is convenient, or you can shred 5 cups of cabbage and Âľ cup of carrots yourself for ultimate freshness. The vibrant color and satisfying crunch are essential to the salad’s appeal.
- ½ cup scallions, sliced thinly: Also known as green onions, these add a fresh, mild oniony flavor and a pop of color that brightens the entire dish. Don’t skip them!
- ½ cup drained mandarin oranges (from a can): These sweet, juicy segments are a fantastic complement to the savory chicken and crunchy vegetables. Be sure to drain them thoroughly to prevent excess moisture from making the salad soggy. You can also use fresh mandarin oranges, peeled and segmented, for an even fresher taste.
- 1½ tablespoons toasted sesame oil: This oil is a powerhouse of flavor, adding a rich, nutty, and distinctly Asian aroma that elevates the entire dressing. A little goes a long way!
- Fried wonton strips and sesame seeds (optional; for garnish): For an extra layer of crunch and visual appeal, fried wonton strips are a classic addition to Chinese chicken salads. A sprinkle of sesame seeds adds a lovely toasted finish.
This salad is incredibly flexible, allowing for creative substitutions. Don’t hesitate to experiment with what you have on hand to make it your own!
🍊 How to Make Orange Chicken Salad: A Simple Guide
Creating this delicious Orange Chicken Salad is straightforward and quick, perfect for any day of the week. Follow these simple steps for a satisfying meal:
Prepare the Chicken: Begin by cooking your small breaded chicken pieces according to the package directions. Whether you’re air frying, baking, or pan-frying, ensure the chicken is cooked through and delightfully crispy. This crispiness is a key textural element for the salad.
Assemble the Salad Base: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked and slightly cooled breaded chicken pieces with the coleslaw mix (or shredded cabbage and carrots), thinly sliced scallions, and well-drained mandarin oranges. These vibrant ingredients form the core of your salad.
Dress and Toss: Drizzle the orange sauce and toasted sesame oil over the assembled salad ingredients. Gently toss everything together until all components are evenly coated. Be careful not to overmix, as you want to maintain the chicken’s crispiness and the vegetables’ fresh texture.
Garnish and Serve: If desired, sprinkle with fried wonton strips and a dash of sesame seeds for an extra crunch and appealing presentation. Serve your Orange Chicken Salad immediately to enjoy the chicken at its crispiest. The freshness of the vegetables and the warmth of the chicken create a perfect contrast.
Storage Tips: If you plan to enjoy this salad later, it’s best to keep the dressing (orange sauce and sesame oil) separate from the other ingredients until just before serving. This approach will help maintain the crisp texture of the chicken and vegetables. When stored separately, the salad components can last for 3-4 days in the refrigerator. However, once dressed, the chicken may lose its crispy texture fairly quickly, so prompt serving is recommended for the best experience.
Orange Chicken Salad Recipe
My orange chicken salad is made with breaded chicken, crisp cabbage, juicy mandarin oranges, scallions, and drizzled with tangy orange sauce.
Author: Summer Yule
Prep Time: 20 mins
Total Time: 20 mins
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: American
Servings: 4
Calories: 327 kcal per serving
Ingredients
- 2 cups small breaded chicken pieces (Trader Joe’s orange chicken or air fryer popcorn chicken)
- ½-1 cup orange sauce (use both sauce packets that come with the bag of Trader Joe’s orange chicken or use another orange sauce to taste)
- 5Âľ cups coleslaw mix (use a mix with cabbage and carrots or use 5 cups shredded cabbage and Âľ cups shredded carrots)
- ½ cup scallions, sliced
- ½ cup drained mandarin oranges (from a can)
- 1½ tablespoons toasted sesame oil
- Fried wonton strips and sesame seeds (optional; for garnish)
Instructions
- Cook the small breaded chicken pieces according to the package directions. Place them in a bowl with the coleslaw mix, scallions, and mandarin oranges. Toss the ingredients together. Drizzle with the orange sauce and sesame oil and gently stir to combine.
- Garnish with the wonton strips and sesame seeds (if desired) and serve immediately.
Equipment
- Knife
Notes
đź’ Expert Tips from Dietitian Summer Yule
This is a level 1 recipe (may help support fat loss). Serving orange chicken over a fresh salad instead of rice is a simple way to make the meal lighter and more nutritious. Swapping in cabbage, mandarin oranges, and scallions adds volume with fewer calories, while boosting fiber, vitamin C, and antioxidants.
Aside from providing a greater feeling of fullness, the bright citrus flavors and crisp texture of this salad pairs perfectly with the sweet-savory orange chicken. It’s a deliciously healthy upgrade!
Nutrition information is for one serving and depends on the chicken and orange sauce you use.
Â
Nutrition Info Disclaimer
Â
All recipes on this website may or may not be appropriate for you, depending on your medical needs and personal preferences. Consult with a registered dietitian or your physician if you need help determining the dietary pattern that may be best for you.
Â
The nutrition information is an estimate provided as a courtesy. It will differ depending on the specific brands and ingredients that you use. Calorie information on food labels may be inaccurate, so please don’t sweat the numbers too much.
Â
“To taste” means to your preferences, which may have to be visual to follow food safety rules. Please don’t eat undercooked food x
Â
Nutrition (Per Serving)
Â
Keywords: orange chicken salad, orange chicken salad recipe, healthy orange chicken, mandarin orange chicken salad
Shop our cookbook!Easy Air Fryer Recipes for One
Burning your air fryer recipes?Here’s how to fix it!
🌟 Expert Tips & Variations for Your Orange Chicken Salad
Customizing Your Salad:
This Orange Chicken Salad is wonderfully adaptable. Feel free to experiment with additional ingredients to suit your taste and dietary needs:
- Add More Veggies: Boost the nutritional content and crunch by adding thinly sliced bell peppers (red, yellow, or orange), shredded carrots, snap peas, cucumber, or even a handful of chopped broccoli florets.
- Boost the Crunch: Beyond wonton strips and sesame seeds, consider adding toasted slivered almonds, chopped peanuts, or cashews for an extra layer of texture and nutty flavor.
- Spice It Up: If you enjoy a bit of heat, a pinch of red pepper flakes in the dressing or a drizzle of sriracha can add a welcome kick.
- Alternative Proteins: While breaded chicken is fantastic, you can also use grilled chicken breast, shredded rotisserie chicken, or even crispy baked tofu for a different protein source. Adjust cooking times accordingly.
- Make it a Wrap: For a portable lunch, spoon the finished salad into large lettuce cups or whole-wheat tortillas.
- Homemade Orange Sauce: If you prefer to make your own sauce, a simple recipe includes orange juice, soy sauce, rice vinegar, a touch of honey or maple syrup, grated ginger, and minced garlic. Simmer until slightly thickened.
Meal Prep Made Easy:
To enjoy this salad throughout the week without sacrificing freshness:
- Cook Chicken Ahead: Prepare your breaded chicken and let it cool completely. Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Reheat gently in an air fryer or oven to regain crispiness before assembling.
- Chop Vegetables: Wash and chop your cabbage, carrots, and scallions. Store them in a separate airtight container.
- Drain Oranges: Drain mandarin oranges and store them separately.
- Prepare Dressing: Whisk together your orange sauce and toasted sesame oil and store it in a small, sealed jar.
- Assemble Just Before Serving: Combine all components and dress the salad right before you’re ready to eat for the best texture and flavor.
Storage Best Practices:
As mentioned in the instructions, keeping the salad components separate is crucial for optimal freshness. Once dressed, the chicken may lose its crispness, and the vegetables might become less vibrant. For any leftovers that have already been dressed, consume them within 1-2 days. The chicken’s texture will soften, but the flavors will still be delicious.
âť“ Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can I use fresh oranges instead of canned mandarin oranges?
Absolutely! Fresh mandarin oranges (or any sweet orange variety, peeled and segmented) will offer a brighter, more intense citrus flavor and firmer texture. Just be sure to remove any seeds and white pith for the best eating experience.
How can I make the breaded chicken extra crispy?
For maximum crispiness, an air fryer is often the best method for frozen breaded chicken. If using an oven, spread the chicken in a single layer on a baking sheet and ensure the oven is fully preheated. Avoid overcrowding the pan. A light spritz of cooking spray can also help achieve a golden-brown, crispy exterior.
What if I don’t have coleslaw mix?
No problem! You can easily make your own by shredding a head of green or red cabbage and a few carrots. Aim for about 5 cups of shredded cabbage and Âľ cup of shredded carrots to match the volume of the mix.
Can I make a vegetarian version of this salad?
Yes, you can! Replace the breaded chicken with crispy baked tofu or tempeh, marinated in a little orange sauce before cooking. You could also use a plant-based chicken substitute. The rest of the salad components are naturally vegetarian-friendly.
Is this salad suitable for packing for lunch?
It’s an excellent lunch option! Just remember the key meal prep tip: keep the cooked chicken (reheated before packing, or enjoyed cold if preferred), vegetables, and dressing in separate containers. Assemble and toss everything together right before you eat to prevent sogginess and maintain optimal texture.
👩🏻‍🍳 More Delicious Chicken Salad Recipes
If you love this Orange Chicken Salad, you’ll surely enjoy exploring other fresh and flavorful chicken salad creations:
- Bon Evans Summer Berry Salad Copycat
- Chick Fil A Kale Crunch Salad Recipe
- High Volume Eating Salad with Lemon Ginger Dressing
- Chick-Fil-A Spicy Southwest Salad Remake
- Healthy Canned Chicken Salad with Yogurt
Join our community! Subscribe for all of the latest and greatest recipes, and follow me on Facebook, Pinterest, Instagram, and YouTube!