Chicken salad with mandarin oranges is one of those recipes that always surprises people the first time they try it. It is creamy, a little sweet, and packed with texture in every single bite. If you have been making the same basic chicken salad for years, this version is about to change things.
I made this for a family get-together a few summers ago, and it was completely gone before I even had a chance to grab a second sandwich. The combination of juicy red grapes, sweet mandarin oranges, and crunchy slivered almonds mixed into a savory, lightly seasoned chicken base just works. It is the kind of dish that feels special without requiring any real cooking time. If you love simple, satisfying chicken recipes, you might also enjoy this chicken pesto sandwich for another easy no-fuss lunch idea.
Table of Contents
Ingredients for Chicken Salad with Mandarin Oranges
After making this recipe more times than I can count, I have learned that the quality of a few key ingredients really does make a difference. I always use a store-bought rotisserie chicken here because it gives the salad a deep, roasted flavor that plain poached chicken simply cannot match.
- 3 cups shredded rotisserie chicken (pulled from a whole bird, white and dark meat both work well)
- 1 cup celery, diced very small (I recommend cutting it as finely as possible for the best texture)
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice (about half a lemon)
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 3/4 teaspoon kosher salt
- 3/4 teaspoon Montreal steak seasoning (do not skip this, it is what makes the savory base truly stand out)
- 1 and 1/2 cups red grapes, halved (in my experience, red grapes hold up better than green and add a nicer sweetness)
- 1 can (15 oz) mandarin oranges, drained well
- 1/2 cup slivered almonds (pro tip: add these just before serving if you want maximum crunch)
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise (my preference is full-fat for the creamiest result)
- 6 large croissants for serving, or 8 to 10 mini croissants
Step-by-Step Instructions
In my experience, the biggest key to making this chicken salad stand out is the chilling step. Do not rush it. Letting the seasoned chicken rest in the fridge transforms the flavor completely.
Step 1: Shred the rotisserie chicken by hand or with two forks into bite-sized pieces. Then dice the celery into very small pieces. Fine dicing is important here as large celery chunks can throw off the texture of the whole salad.
Step 2: Add the shredded chicken, diced celery, lemon juice, onion powder, kosher salt, and Montreal steak seasoning to a large mixing bowl. Stir everything together until the chicken is well coated. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 2 hours. Overnight works even better and gives you a noticeably richer flavor.
Step 3: Remove the bowl from the fridge and add the halved red grapes, drained mandarin oranges, slivered almonds, and mayonnaise. Stir gently until everything is combined. Taste and adjust salt if needed. If the salad looks a little dry, add an extra spoonful of mayo and stir again.
Step 4: Slice the croissants in half and divide the chicken salad evenly between them. Serve right away or return the bowl to the fridge until you are ready to eat. The salad holds up well for a few hours before serving.
What to Serve with Chicken Salad with Mandarin Oranges
This salad is creamy and slightly sweet, so the best sides bring a little contrast in texture or freshness. Here are some pairings that work really well.
Simple Green Salad: A light green salad with a lemon vinaigrette cuts through the richness of the mayo and keeps the meal feeling fresh and balanced. For a heartier salad pairing, this BLT pasta salad is a crowd-pleaser that works great alongside it at potlucks and cookouts.
Tomato Soup: A warm bowl of soup next to a chicken salad croissant sandwich is one of the coziest lunch combos out there. This homemade tomato soup is simple to make and pairs beautifully with the sweet and savory notes in the salad.
Broccoli Cheddar Soup: If you want something a little more filling, a creamy broccoli cheddar soup next to a chicken salad wrap makes for a satisfying and comforting meal without a lot of extra effort.
Kettle Chips or Pita Chips: The salty crunch of chips alongside the creamy salad is a classic combination that kids and adults both love. Serve the chicken salad as a dip right in the bowl for easy snacking.
Thai Peanut Lettuce Wraps: If you are going the lettuce cup route instead of croissants, these Thai peanut lettuce wraps make a fun companion dish for a lighter spread with lots of fresh flavors and textures.
Chicken Avocado Wrap: Hosting a lunch where people want options? This chicken avocado wrap is another quick, no-cook option that works perfectly alongside the mandarin orange chicken salad as part of a build-your-own spread.
Storage and Serving Tips
Store any leftover chicken salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 to 4 days. Keep it separate from the croissants so they do not get soggy. Give it a good stir before serving again, as the fruit can release a little juice overnight.
If the salad seems a bit watery after sitting in the fridge, just stir in an extra spoonful of mayonnaise to bring the texture back together. I recommend waiting to add the almonds until right before serving if you are making this a day ahead, since they will soften over time. Freezing is not recommended as mayo-based salads separate and become watery once thawed.
This recipe also works great served in lettuce cups for a lighter, low-carb option, or stuffed into a tortilla wrap for an easy packed lunch. It doubles easily if you are feeding a crowd at a bridal shower or summer cookout.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use canned chicken instead of rotisserie chicken?
You can, but the flavor will not be as rich. Rotisserie chicken has a roasted depth that makes the seasoning base really shine. If canned is all you have, drain it well and add a pinch of smoked paprika to make up for some of that lost flavor.
How long does chicken salad with mandarin oranges last in the fridge?
Stored in an airtight container, it stays fresh for 3 to 4 days. The fruit may release a little juice over time, so stir it well and add a small amount of mayo before serving if needed.
Can I make this chicken salad without mayonnaise?
Yes. You can swap the mayo for plain Greek yogurt or a mix of half mayo and half Greek yogurt. The texture will be a little lighter and tangier, but it still works well with the sweet fruit and savory seasoning in this recipe.
Chicken Salad with Mandarin Oranges
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Shred the rotisserie chicken by hand or with two forks into bite-sized pieces. Dice the celery into very small pieces for the best texture.
- Add the shredded chicken, diced celery, lemon juice, onion powder, kosher salt, and Montreal steak seasoning to a large mixing bowl. Stir well until the chicken is fully coated. Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or overnight for best flavor.
- Remove the bowl from the fridge and add the halved red grapes, drained mandarin oranges, slivered almonds, and mayonnaise. Stir gently until everything is well combined. Taste and adjust salt if needed. Add an extra spoonful of mayo if the salad looks dry.
- Slice the croissants in half and divide the chicken salad evenly between them. Serve right away or return to the fridge until ready to eat.
