A fresh spring salad inspired by memories, sunshine, and simple family meals.

There are certain meals that stay with you forever. Not because they were fancy or complicated — but because of who you shared them with and how they made you feel.

This Mandarin Orange Chicken Crunch Salad was inspired by a restaurant salad my mom and I used to order years ago at Jennifer’s Restaurant in Corner Brook, Newfoundland. When I was a teenager, we loved their orange and almond salad, and if you know the spot, you probably also remember the incredible grilled vegetable and goat cheese sandwich, too.

This recipe is my own fresh spin on those flavours — bright mandarin oranges, crunchy vegetables, toasted almonds, tender chicken, and a savoury sesame-tamari dressing that pulls everything together beautifully.

Spring can be such a busy season for families. Between practices, work schedules, activities, and the constant pace of life, meals can sometimes become another task on the to-do list. But salads like this remind me that food can also help us slow down a little. To pause. To nourish ourselves. To think about sunny days ahead.

This salad feels vibrant, fresh, and energizing — exactly the kind of meal I crave this time of year.

Made with fresh Alberta chicken (#partner), it’s packed with satisfying protein and colourful vegetables, making it a simple and balanced option for lunches, easy dinners, meal prep, or sharing around the table.

Why We Love It

• Protein-rich from chicken to help keep you full and satisfied
• Loaded with crunch from fresh vegetables and toasted almonds
• Bright flavour from mandarin oranges and sesame dressing
• Meal prep friendly and holds up well in the fridge
• Family-approved and easy to customize

Mandarin Orange Chicken Crunch Salad

Fresh, colourful, protein-packed, and perfect for spring or summer meals.

Serves: 4
Makes: About 8 cups

Ingredients

For the Salad

• 3 cups Napa cabbage (or lettuce), thinly sliced
• 1 cup red cabbage, thinly sliced
• 1 cup shredded carrots
• 1 cup sugar snap peas (or celery stalks), thinly sliced
• 4 green onions, thinly sliced
• 2½ cups cooked chicken, shredded or chopped
• 1 cup mandarin orange segments, drained
• 1 cup fresh parsley, roughly chopped
• ½ cup sliced almonds, toasted

For the Dressing

• ¼ cup rice vinegar
• 2 tablespoons toasted sesame oil
• 2 tablespoons canola oil
• 2 tablespoons tamari
• 1 tablespoon Alberta honey
• 1 teaspoon fresh grated ginger
• 1 small garlic clove, minced
• Salt and pepper, to taste

Instructions

1. Build the Salad

In a large bowl, combine Napa cabbage, red cabbage, carrots, sugar snap peas, green onions, and chicken.

2. Make the Dressing

In a jar or small bowl, combine all dressing ingredients. Shake or whisk until smooth.

3. Toss & Finish

Pour dressing over salad and toss well to coat. Gently fold in mandarin oranges, fresh herbs, and toasted almonds.

4. Serve

Top with sesame seeds if desired and serve immediately.

GetJoyfull Tips

• Shortcut win: Use rotisserie chicken for a faster meal.
• Make it a dinner bowl: Serve over jasmine rice or rice noodles.
• Lunch prep: Keep dressing separate until serving.
• Nut-free option: Swap almonds for roasted sunflower seeds.
• More fuel needed? Add edamame or extra chicken.
• Craving even more crunch? Swap snap peas for celery.

This salad is one of those recipes that feels restaurant-worthy but comes together with simple ingredients and very little fuss — the kind of meal that makes an ordinary weeknight feel a little brighter.

Here’s to spring crunch, sunny flavours, Alberta chicken, and the meals that bring back good memories.

Joyfully,

Emily 

Emily Mardell is a Registered Dietitian, busy mama of three and proud Alberta foodie. Emily is passionate about quality ingredients and creating delicious, nourishing recipes that bring families together. Follow her on social media @GetJoyfull or GetJoyfull.com for nutrition advice and tips to grow food joy and fill up on family time.

Disclaimer: This post was created in partnership with Alberta Chicken Producers. Special thanks to ACP for their ongoing support to Food Banks Alberta and community food security during the holidays and beyond. From this Dietitian Mama, and local food banks province-wide, thank you farmers!