Farmhouse Mandarin Chicken Salad

Years ago I worked for a mortgage company in a stuffy office with no windows, so on lunch breaks I high-tailed it out of there for some fresh air and sunlight. A Wendy’s was right across the street, so I went there often because they had a salad I loved. I don’t remember it exactly, but I remember it tasted so fresh and delicious topped with mandarin oranges. I haven’t been to a Wendy’s in over a decade, and I don’t think they still offer that salad anymore, so I decided to create my own version to calm the craving!

It’s perfect for warm-weather lunches, light dinners, or even potluck gatherings. And it’s easy to prepare in under 20 minutes, packed with protein and fresh produce, and works great for meal prep lunches. Plus it just looks pretty.

Ingredients

For the Salad

• 5 ounces baby spinach

• 5 ounces spring mix or mixed greens

• 2 cups cooked chicken breast, diced or shredded

• 1 can (11 ounces) mandarin oranges, drained

• 1 cup strawberries, sliced

• ½ cup cucumber, thinly sliced

• ¼ cup red onion, thinly sliced

• ⅓ cup sliced almonds, toasted

• ¼ cup dried cranberries

• ½ cup crumbled feta cheese

For the Dressing

• ¼ cup olive oil

• 3 tablespoons orange juice

• 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar

• 1 tablespoon honey

• 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard

• ¼ teaspoon garlic powder

• ¼ teaspoon salt

• ⅛ teaspoon black pepper

Method

Step 1: Make the Dressing

In a small mason jar or bowl, combine olive oil, orange juice, apple cider vinegar, honey, Dijon mustard, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Shake or whisk until smooth.

Step 2: Assemble the Salad

In a large serving bowl, combine spinach, mixed greens, chicken, mandarins, strawberries, cucumber, red onion, dried cranberries, and feta cheese.

Step 3: Add Crunch

Sprinkle the toasted almonds over the top just before serving.

Step 4: Dress and Serve

Drizzle with the honey orange vinaigrette and toss gently until everything is lightly coated.

Serve immediately.

Tips for Success

• Toast almonds for 3–4 minutes in a dry skillet for extra flavor.

• Use rotisserie chicken for a quick shortcut.

• Add dressing just before serving to keep greens crisp.

• Chill the salad bowl beforehand for an extra-refreshing presentation.

Variations

This recipe is easy to customize, so play with different flavors and find what you like best!

This Farmhouse Mandarin Chicken Salad is light and satisfying. The combination of sweet mandarins, juicy chicken, crisp greens, and tangy honey-orange dressing creates a salad that's beautiful enough to serve to your guests yet simple enough for a weekday lunch. It's especially lovely during spring and summer when you're craving fresh flavors and easy meals that don't heat up the kitchen!