Grilled Chicken Salad with Mandarin Oranges & Almonds
Grilled Chicken Salad with Mandarin Oranges and Almonds— perfect for a light lunch, summer dinner, or meal prep bowl. The juicy grilled chicken pairs beautifully with the sweet citrus, crunchy almonds, and crisp greens, all tied together with a tangy-sweet vinaigrette.
Total time
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 10–12 minutes
Servings: 2–3
Ingredients:
For the Salad:
2 boneless chicken breasts
Salt, pepper, garlic powder (for seasoning)
1 tbsp olive oil (for grilling)
4–5 cups mixed greens (e.g., spinach, arugula, romaine)
1 cup mandarin orange segments (fresh or canned in juice, drained)
¼ cup sliced almonds, toasted
½ cup cucumber, sliced or chopped
¼ red onion, thinly sliced (optional)
* Optional: 2 tbsp feta or goat cheese
For the Dressing:
2 tbsp olive oil
1 tbsp rice vinegar or apple cider vinegar
1 tsp Dijon mustard
1 tsp honey or sugar-free sweetener
Salt & pepper to taste
Notes & Tips:
Mandarins: Fresh segments have the best texture, but canned in juice (not syrup) works too.
Toasting almonds: Lightly toast in a dry pan over medium heat for 3–4 minutes until golden and fragrant.
Low-sugar tip: Use fresh mandarins and a sugar-free dressing to keep it low-carb.
Instructions:
1. Grill the Chicken
* Pound chicken to even thickness, season with salt, pepper, and garlic powder.
* Grill on a grill pan or outdoor grill for 5–6 minutes per side or until cooked through.
* Let rest 5 minutes, then slice.
2. Make the Dressing
Whisk together olive oil, vinegar, mustard, honey (or sweetener), salt, and pepper.
3. Assemble the Salad
* In a large bowl, combine greens, cucumbers, onion, and mandarins.
* Add sliced chicken on top.
* Sprinkle with almonds and cheese (if using).
* Drizzle dressing just before serving and toss gently.
Nutrional information
Calories: ~350 kcal
Protein: ~30g
Fat: ~20g
Carbs: ~12g
Fiber: ~3g
Sugar: ~6g (lower with fresh mandarins and sugar-free dressing)
Frequently asked questions
Q: Can I meal prep this salad?
A: Yes! Store components separately (especially dressing and mandarins) and assemble fresh for best texture.
Q: Can I substitute the chicken?
A: Grilled shrimp, tofu, or even rotisserie chicken work well.
Q: What pairs well with this salad?
A: Whole grain bread, quinoa, or a light citrus soup for a complete meal.