My Orange Chicken Salad is a healthier way to enjoy frozen orange chicken. This spin on Chinese chicken salad is made with breaded chicken, crisp cabbage, juicy mandarin oranges, and fresh scallions. Instead of mayo, it’s finished with a drizzle of sweet and tangy orange sauce for a bright citrus flavor. This family-friendly salad is a lighter twist on your favorite takeout dish and sure to be a hit at the table.
🥗 Orange Chicken Salad Ingredients
Here’s what you need to make this salad:
- 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 bags of Trader Joe’s orange chicken or use another orange sauce to taste)
- 5¾ cups coleslaw mix (use a mix with cabbage and carrots or use 5 cups shredded cabbage and ¾ cups shredded carrots)
- ½ cup scallions, sliced thinly
- ½ cup drained mandarin oranges (from a can)
- 1½ tablespoons toasted sesame oil
- Fried wonton strips and sesame seeds (optional; for garnish)
Get a printable recipe card at the end of the post.
This salad extremely flexible. I’ve included some substitution suggestions above but don’t be afraid to get creative in your own kitchen.
🍊 How to Make Orange Chicken Salad
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.
If you keep the salad dressing separate until serving, this salad will last for 3-4 days in the refrigerator. However, the chicken may begin to lose its crispy texture if you don’t serve it right away.
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.
Prep Time 20 minutes
Total Time 20 minutes
Course Dinner
Cuisine American
Servings 4
Calories 327 kcal
Please leave a comment below 😊
-
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.
Save this RecipeSaved!
💭 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.
nutrition info disclaimer
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.
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.
“To taste” means to your preferences, which may have to be visual to follow food safety rules. Please don’t eat undercooked food x
Calories: 327kcalCarbohydrates: 39.8gProtein: 13.9gFat: 13.1gSaturated Fat: 2.5gVitamin C: 6.4% DVCalcium: 2.4% DVIron: 5% DV
Keywords orange chicken salad, orange chicken salad recipe
👩🏻🍳 More Chicken Salad Recipes
Join our community! Subscribe for all of the latest and greatest recipes, and follow me on Facebook, Pinterest, Instagram, and YouTube!
Hello! I’m Summer, a registered dietitian and home chef who loves to cook, eat, and create recipes for you! Every recipe on this site has been tested by me to help ensure your success in the kitchen. All eaters are welcome here 🙂
