It’s been a minute since I shared a bright and fresh colorful salad. I thought this salad would be perfect to break up all the cozy soups and pasta. It’s all about having a nice balance! As I work away on this post, I’m in New York, but once this post goes live, I’ll be home and back in the kitchen. After a week of eating out, I could not be more excited to cook for myself again. It’s cold here, so I’m still craving warming foods, but adding a bright salad to the mix is a must. Especially one loaded with so much vitamin C! I’ve wanted to make a Chinese chicken salad for a while now. Whenever I head to a Chinese restaurant, it’s always the first thing I order. I’ve always enjoyed the savory, sweet, tangy, and salty flavors. I hesitated because I wasn’t sure how to make the salad feel like my own. But then, I started making fried wonton strips for my brother Red over the holidays. Ever since I’ve been regularly adding them to so many recipes. I’m loving them! Obviously, a Mandarin chicken salad is the perfect fit for homemade crispy wontons!
Here are details
I like to start with the dressing. It’s a mix of sesame oil, toasted sesame oil, honey, tamari, fresh ginger, garlic, orange zest, and toasted sesame seeds. Honestly, this has become one of my favorite dressings. The toasted oil, honey, and tamari make it lick-the-spoon-good. And the ginger gives it a nice spicy yet fresh kick. If you love any of my Asian sauces, you’ll enjoy this! The wontons are incredibly easy to make. All you need are oil and wonton wrappers. I love to use avocado oil or olive oil when frying. Cut the wonton wrappers into strips, then do a shallow fry in the oil until crisp. It only takes a minute and is super easy. Then I’ll usually sprinkle them with flaky salt. And on to the actual salad…in a large bowl cabbage, greens, chicken, fresh oranges (or mandarin oranges), avocado, and lots of dressing. The dressing really is key, it’s what brings in all the flavor. Then finish the salad with so many of those fried wontons, they are delicious! If you’re looking to switch up your chicken salad, this is a great option for lunch or dinner! Enjoy this salad on its own or try serving it with your favorite dumpling soup or some Sesame Ginger Dumplings. Yum! Looking for other dinner ideas? Crockpot White Chicken Chili Burrito Bowls Red’s Favorite Spicy Tuna Poke Bowls Skillet Chicken Adobo with Coconut Rice 30 Minute Pineapple Chicken with Coconut Rice Weeknight Sesame Teriyaki Chicken with Ginger Rice Lastly, if you make Sesame Ginger Orange Chicken Salad, be sure to leave a comment and/or give this recipe a rating! Above all, I love to hear from you guys and always do my best to respond to each and every comment. And of course, if you do make this recipe, don’t forget to tag me on Instagram! Looking through the photos of recipes you all have made is my favorite!
