Mandarin, Chicken & Avocado Salad
A bright, vibrant salad where sweet mandarin segments cut through creamy avocado and savory chicken, creating a perfectly balanced and low-glycemic meal.
For 2 servings
If using fresh mandarins, carefully peel and separate them into individual segments. If using canned mandarins, ensure they are thoroughly drained.
Prepare your main ingredients: Shred or dice the cooked chicken breast into bite-sized pieces. Halve, pit, peel, and slice the avocado. If using, thinly slice the red onion.
**Prepare the Mandarin Vinaigrette:** In a small bowl, whisk together the extra virgin olive oil, apple cider vinegar, fresh mandarin juice, Dijon mustard, honey (if desired), sea salt, and black pepper until the mixture is well emulsified and creamy.
Divide the baby spinach evenly between two large plates or shallow bowls, creating a vibrant green base for your salad.
Artfully arrange the prepared chicken breast, sliced avocado, and mandarin segments over the bed of spinach on each plate.
Evenly scatter the toasted slivered almonds and thinly sliced red onion (if using) over the assembled salads, adding texture and a subtle bite.
Generously drizzle the prepared mandarin vinaigrette over each salad, ensuring all components are lightly coated.
Serve immediately to enjoy the freshest flavors and textures. Toss gently just before eating.
What to keep in mind.
4 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1For ultimate convenience, use pre-cooked rotisserie chicken or grilled chicken strips. If cooking chicken from scratch, poach or grill it ahead of time and chill.
- 2Choose a perfectly ripe avocado that yields slightly to gentle pressure. A squeeze of lime or lemon juice over the sliced avocado can prevent browning if not serving immediately.
- 3To toast slivered almonds, spread them in a single layer on a dry skillet over medium heat. Cook for 3-5 minutes, stirring frequently, until fragrant and lightly golden. Watch them closely as they can burn quickly.
- 4The mandarin vinaigrette can be prepared up to 3 days in advance and stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Whisk well again just before serving to re-emulsify.
Adapt it for your goals.
Protein Swap
Substitute the chicken with grilled shrimp, pan-seared salmon, or for a vegetarian option, use chickpeas or grilled halloumi cheese.
Greens AlternativeGreens Alternative
Experiment with different leafy greens like mixed spring greens, romaine lettuce, or even a base of massaged kale for a heartier texture.
Nutty CrunchNutty Crunch
Replace slivered almonds with toasted pecans, walnuts, or even candied almonds for a different flavor and crunch profile.
Why this is on our healthy list.
Rich in Healthy Fats
Avocado is packed with monounsaturated fats, which are beneficial for heart health, cholesterol management, and enhancing the absorption of fat-soluble vitamins.
Excellent Source of Fiber
Spinach, avocado, and mandarins contribute significant dietary fiber, promoting digestive health, regulating blood sugar, and increasing feelings of fullness.
Lean Protein Powerhouse
Chicken breast provides a complete, lean protein source essential for muscle repair, growth, and maintaining satiety, making this a very satisfying meal.
Frequently asked questions
Yes, you absolutely can! Just make sure to drain them very well to remove any excess syrup, which could make the salad too sweet or watery. You can still use a tablespoon of the drained juice for the vinaigrette if desired.
