There’s something invigorating about the vibrant colors of this Whole30 Mandarin Chicken Salad with Crispy Coconut Chips that instantly draws you in. As the tangy sweetness of mandarin oranges melds with the crunch of toasted coconut chips, you can’t help but smile at the thought of a dish that’s both healthy and oh-so-satisfying. It was a whirlwind weeknight when I found myself on a quest for a dinner that wouldn’t take forever to prepare while still being completely delicious.
This salad emerged as the answer, brimming with fresh ingredients like crisp romaine lettuce and juicy chicken, all draped in a zesty homemade dressing. In just 10 minutes, you can whip up a meal that feels indulgent yet complies with your Paleo and Whole30 lifestyle. Each bite perfectly balances savory and sweet, delivering a burst of flavor that reignites the joy of homemade food. Trust me; if you’re as tired of fast food as I am, this salad will become your new go-to!
Why love Paleo & Whole30 Mandarin Chicken Salad?
Freshness: This salad showcases vibrant, seasonal ingredients that keep every bite fresh and exciting.
Quick & Easy: Ready in just 10 minutes, it’s a lifesaver for busy weeknights when you crave homemade goodness.
Flavor Explosion: The mix of sweet mandarins and crunchy coconut chips creates a tantalizing contrast that delights the palate.
Healthy & Nutritious: Packed with protein and healthy fats, this dish makes staying on track with your dietary goals a breeze.
Versatile: Customize it to fit your taste or dietary needs—swap in shrimp, tofu, or your favorite veggies for endless variations.
With this recipe, you can enjoy a wholesome meal that feels indulgent without the guilt. Check out more to elevate your culinary adventures with fresh, homemade salads!
Paleo & Whole30 Mandarin Chicken Salad Ingredients
For the Salad
• Mandarin Oranges – These add a burst of sweetness and citrus flavor; opt for fresh or canned (no sugar added) for best results.
• Romaine Lettuce – Provides a crisp and crunchy base; feel free to substitute with mixed greens if preferred.
• Cooked Chicken – A great source of protein; use any cooked chicken, whether grilled, rotisserie, or leftover from meal prep.
• Garlic Chives – Adds a mild onion flavor; green onions can be used if chives aren’t on hand.
• Slivered Almonds – Offers a satisfying crunch and nutty flavor; substitute with cashews or omit for a nut-free option.
• Coconut Chips (Dang Foods Lightly Salted) – Gives a healthier crispy element to the salad; alternatives exist, or you can skip them for a lighter version.
• Toasted Sesame Seeds – Provides a nutty flavor and enhances visual appeal; optional but adds delightful texture if included.
For the Dressing
• Coconut Aminos – A soy sauce alternative offering umami flavor; soy sauce can substitute but isn’t Whole30 approved.
• Apple Cider Vinegar – Adds brightness and acidity; can be replaced with white vinegar or lemon juice if desired.
• Mandarin Juice – Enhances sweetness and ties in flavors from the oranges; use extra citrus juice if needed to complement.
• Extra Virgin Olive Oil – Contributes richness and helps emulsify the dressing; avocado oil is a wonderful alternative.
• Toasted Sesame Oil – Imparts a deep, nutty flavor; use peanut oil or more olive oil if needed.
• Fresh Ginger (minced) – Adds warmth and depth to the dressing; ground ginger works too, but reduce the amount for a milder taste.
• Sea Salt and Black Pepper – Essential for seasoning; adjust according to your taste preference.
Unleash your culinary creativity with this Paleo & Whole30 Mandarin Chicken Salad, and savor the vibrant flavors and textures that will keep you coming back for more!
How to Make Paleo & Whole30 Mandarin Chicken Salad
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Drain the mandarin oranges, reserving 2 tablespoons of the juice for the dressing. This step enhances the dish’s brightness while ensuring the salad remains fresh and juicy.
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Combine in a large mixing bowl the mandarin oranges, chopped romaine lettuce, cooked chicken, garlic chives, and slivered almonds. Toss them gently, allowing the flavors to intermingle for a delightful crunch.
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Whisk together in a separate bowl the coconut aminos, apple cider vinegar, reserved mandarin juice, olive oil, sesame oil, minced ginger, sea salt, and black pepper. This dressing is your flavor enhancer, so ensure it’s well mixed!
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Pour the dressing over the salad mixture and toss to ensure everything is well coated. The colors and textures should start to harmonize beautifully.
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Top the salad with toasted coconut chips and sesame seeds. Serve immediately to relish the crispness of the toppings before they soften.
Optional: Garnish with extra mandarin slices for a pop of color.
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.
Make Ahead Options
These Paleo & Whole30 Mandarin Chicken Salad with Coconut Chips are perfect for meal prep enthusiasts looking to save time on busy weeknights! You can chop the romaine lettuce and prepare the cooked chicken (use leftovers or store-bought) up to 3 days in advance, keeping them refrigerated in separate airtight containers to maintain freshness. The mandarin oranges can be drained ahead as well; just squeeze a little lemon juice to prevent browning if using fresh. When you’re ready to serve, combine everything with the dressing and top it with coconut chips for that necessary crunch. This way, you can whip together a vibrant, delicious salad in mere minutes!
Storage Tips for Paleo & Whole30 Mandarin Chicken Salad
Room Temperature: Enjoy the salad fresh for the best taste and texture; it’s ideal served right after preparation.
Fridge: Store leftovers in a sealed container for up to 1 day. Keep the coconut chips separate to maintain their crunch.
Freezer: Not recommended for freezing, as the salad’s fresh ingredients and textures do not hold up well after thawing.
Reheating: If necessary, you can warm the chicken slightly, but avoid heating the vegetables to keep them crisp and fresh.
Expert Tips for Paleo & Whole30 Mandarin Chicken Salad
• Prep Ahead: Keep ingredients separate until serving to maintain the texture. Store coconut chips in a separate container to preserve their crunch.
• Choose Wisely: Opt for no sugar added mandarin oranges to ensure compliance with your Whole30 diet and maintain the salad’s healthy profile.
• Mix It Up: Experiment with different proteins like shrimp or tofu for variation. Be creative and tailor the salad to your preferences!
• Toasting Nuts: Lightly toast the slivered almonds for enhanced flavor and crunch before tossing them in the salad for an extra touch of warmth.
• Dressing Balance: Adjust dressing ingredients to your taste—add more ginger or vinegar if you prefer a brighter finish, enhancing the overall experience of this Paleo & Whole30 Mandarin Chicken Salad.
Variations & Substitutions
Discover how to personalize your Paleo & Whole30 Mandarin Chicken Salad with these creative twists and substitutions!
- Nut-Free: Omit slivered almonds and use sunflower seeds for a crunchy alternative that still fits a nut-free diet.
- Vegetarian Delight: Replace the chicken with shredded jackfruit or chickpeas for a delicious plant-based protein option that still packs flavor.
- Zesty Bite: Add sliced jalapeños for a spicy kick, enhancing the taste and providing a surprising twist to the refreshing salad.
- Creamy Touch: Incorporate avocado slices for creaminess; they will complement the citrus and add healthy fats while elevating the richness of the salad.
- Herb Infusion: Mix in fresh herbs like cilantro or mint for a burst of refreshing flavor that brightens the overall taste.
- Crispy Alternatives: Use crispy chickpeas or roasted pumpkin seeds instead of coconut chips to introduce different textures and flavors without losing health benefits.
- Citrus Variety: Experiment with different citrus fruits like grapefruit or blood oranges for a unique taste profile and vibrant color that brightens the dish.
- Smooth Dressing: Blend the dressing ingredients into a creamy consistency by adding a little tahini or almond butter for a nutty richness.
Tailor this delightful salad to your cravings, ensuring every forkful is a delightful experience!
What to Serve with Paleo & Whole30 Mandarin Chicken Salad?
Elevate your dining experience with perfectly paired sides that enhance the vibrant flavors of this refreshing salad.
- Coconut Rice: The mild sweetness of coconut rice complements the zesty mandarin flavors, creating a balanced meal that feels comforting and indulgent.
- Crispy Sweet Potato Fries: Their crunchy exterior and soft interior pair beautifully with the crisp textures in the salad, giving your meal a delightful contrast.
- Grilled Asparagus: Adding a smoky element with grilled asparagus not only boosts the nutrition but also enhances the overall flavor profile of your plate.
- Fresh Fruit Platter: A mix of seasonal fruits like berries or pineapple adds a light, fruity contrast that keeps your palate refreshed and intrigued.
- Zucchini Noodles: Light and refreshing, zucchini noodles provide a great alternative to grains and soak up the flavors of the salad’s dressing beautifully.
- Sparkling Water with Lime: This bubbly drink refreshes the palate and adds a hint of citrus that resonates with the salad’s vibrant flavors, making for a perfect sip alongside.
- Almond Butter Cookies: End your meal on a sweet note with almond butter cookies, offering a nutty flavor that ties in with the salad’s aromatic elements.
- Avocado Toast: Rich, creamy avocado toast complements the salad’s crunch while adding healthy fats, creating a filling yet nutrient-dense meal.
- Light Sorbet: For dessert, a scoop of light sorbet provides a refreshing finish that cleanses the palate and adds a touch of sweetness without being heavy.
Paleo & Whole30 Mandarin Chicken Salad with Coconut Chips Recipe FAQs
What type of mandarin oranges should I use for this salad?
Absolutely! You can use either fresh mandarin oranges or canned mandarin oranges as long as they’re “no sugar added.” Fresh oranges provide a bright, juicy flavor, while the canned option offers convenience—just make sure to drain them well!
How should I store the salad leftovers?
I recommend enjoying this salad fresh for the best taste and texture. If you have leftovers, store them in a sealed container in the fridge for up to 1 day. To keep the coconut chips crispy, store them separately and add them just before serving.
Can I freeze the Mandarin Chicken Salad?
It’s best not to freeze this salad. The fresh ingredients and textures do not hold up well after thawing, which can leave you with a soggy salad. Instead, enjoy it fresh or as a next-day lunch!
I have a nut allergy; what can I use instead of slivered almonds?
The more the merrier! You can either omit the slivered almonds altogether or substitute them with pumpkin seeds or sunflower seeds for a delightful crunch. Both of these alternatives will keep the salad nut-free while still adding texture.
What should I do if my coconut chips get soggy?
To keep your coconut chips crunchy, add them just before serving the salad. If they’ve already lost their crunch, try toasting them lightly in a pan on low heat for a few minutes until they crisp up—just keep an eye on them to avoid burning!
Can I customize the protein in this salad?
Very! This salad is versatile, so feel free to swap the cooked chicken for shredded turkey, grilled shrimp, or even crispy tofu for a vegetarian option. Just ensure that any alternative fits within your Paleo and Whole30 guidelines!
Paleo & Whole30 Mandarin Chicken Salad with Crunchy Coconut Chips
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Drain the mandarin oranges, reserving 2 tablespoons of the juice for the dressing.
- Combine in a large mixing bowl the mandarin oranges, chopped romaine lettuce, cooked chicken, garlic chives, and slivered almonds. Toss gently.
- Whisk together in a separate bowl the coconut aminos, apple cider vinegar, reserved mandarin juice, olive oil, sesame oil, minced ginger, sea salt, and black pepper.
- Pour the dressing over the salad mixture and toss to ensure everything is well coated.
- Top the salad with toasted coconut chips and sesame seeds. Serve immediately.