If you’re looking for a refreshing, vibrant dish that manages to be hearty while still feeling light, Chicken Ala Mondo Salad is a true crowd-pleaser. This salad dazzles with its brilliant mix of juicy chicken, sweet mandarin oranges, crunchy almonds, and crisp greens—all drizzled with your favorite tangy dressing. It’s a recipe bursting with flavor and textures, and the best part? It’s as easy to assemble as it is beautiful on your table. Whether you need a quick lunch, a showstopper for your next gathering, or just want to upgrade your salad game, Chicken Ala Mondo Salad is about to become your new go-to.

Chicken Ala Mondo Salad Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Simple, bright, and full of contrast—every ingredient in Chicken Ala Mondo Salad plays a special role. Each adds its own pop of flavor, satisfying crunch, or fresh color, so don’t be shy about grabbing the best you can find at your store or farmers’ market. Here’s what you’ll need and why you’ll love it:

Cooked chicken breast: Shredded or chopped, this is the protein anchor of your salad—grilled or rotisserie chicken adds extra depth.
Mixed salad greens: Romaine, spinach, arugula, or your favorite mix brings a blend of flavors and textures for the perfect salad base.
Sliced almonds, toasted: Toasting makes these crunchy and brings out a nutty aroma that’s irresistible with chicken and citrus.
Mandarin orange segments: Juicy bites of freshness and brightness, perfectly balancing the savory notes.
Red onion, thinly sliced: Adds just the right zing and color—soaking slices in cold water can mellow the flavor if you’re sensitive to sharpness.
Cherry tomatoes, halved: Sweet, tangy, and super juicy—these are little pops of summer in every bite.
Shredded mozzarella cheese: Creamy and mild, mozzarella ties all the flavors together and adds a lovely richness.
Crispy chow mein noodles (optional): Totally optional, but they add a wonderful crunch and playful touch on top.
Balsamic vinaigrette or sesame-ginger dressing: The final flourish—choose your favorite, or switch it up for a new twist each time.

How to Make Chicken Ala Mondo Salad

Step 1: Prep Your Ingredients

Start by gathering all your ingredients and giving everything a quick rinse and chop. Make sure your chicken is cooked, cooled, and either shredded or chopped into bite-size pieces. If you’re using red onion, slice it thinly—if you want a milder flavor, soak the slices briefly in cold water and pat dry. Halve your cherry tomatoes, drain the mandarin oranges, and toast your almonds if you haven’t already (a quick stint in a dry pan over medium heat works wonders!).

Step 2: Assemble the Salad Base

Grab your largest salad bowl—this makes tossing easier and keeps everything ultra crisp. Add the mixed greens first, then scatter over your shredded chicken, cherry tomatoes, red onion, mozzarella cheese, and mandarin orange segments. It’s visually stunning and ensures every forkful has a blend of flavors.

Step 3: Add the Crunch Factor

Time for texture! Sprinkle the toasted sliced almonds evenly over the salad. If you’re feeling playful or want extra crunch, toss on those crispy chow mein noodles. This step takes Chicken Ala Mondo Salad from delicious to unforgettable.

Step 4: Dress and Toss

Right before serving, drizzle generously with your choice of balsamic vinaigrette or sesame-ginger dressing. Gently toss the salad so the dressing coats every bit of goodness, or serve the dressing on the side for everyone to add to taste. Either way, you’re minutes from savoring a perfect bite.

How to Serve Chicken Ala Mondo Salad

Garnishes

The finishing touch matters! A sprinkle of extra toasted almonds, a few more orange segments, or a little freshly cracked black pepper make the Chicken Ala Mondo Salad look and taste extra special. If you love a burst of freshness, tuck a few sprigs of cilantro or basil on top just before serving.

Side Dishes

This salad pairs best with something simple. Try it alongside warm crusty bread, a cup of light soup, or even a fluffy quinoa pilaf. For summer hangs, think grilled corn or herby potato salad on the side.

Creative Ways to Present

Want to impress? Serve Chicken Ala Mondo Salad in individual mason jars for picnics, layer it in a trifle bowl to show off those gorgeous colors, or stuff pita pockets for a quick lunch-on-the-go twist. You can also create a build-your-own salad bar for family nights or gatherings—fun and interactive!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you’re lucky enough to have any Chicken Ala Mondo Salad leftover, store it in an airtight container in the fridge. Keep the dressing separate, if possible, to maintain maximum crunch and freshness. Leftovers will last nicely for up to two days, though best enjoyed within the first day.

Freezing

This salad isn’t one for the freezer; the greens and oranges can become soggy and lose their lovely textures. If you’ve prepped extra chicken or toasted almonds, those components can be frozen separately and added fresh when you’re ready to assemble your next Chicken Ala Mondo Salad.

Reheating

No reheating required—Chicken Ala Mondo Salad is at its best served cold or at room temperature. If your chicken is straight from the fridge, you can let it sit for a few minutes to take off the chill, but otherwise, simply toss and enjoy every time!

FAQs

Can I use leftover rotisserie chicken?

Absolutely! Rotisserie chicken is a wonderful shortcut for Chicken Ala Mondo Salad. Its seasoning brings a delicious depth, and it saves loads of time in the kitchen.

Is this salad gluten-free?

The main salad is naturally gluten-free, especially if you check that your dressing and chow mein noodles are gluten-free versions. Just double check all your labels to be sure.

What other nuts can I use besides almonds?

Walnuts, cashews, or pecans are fantastic swaps if you’d like to switch up the nutty crunch. Each brings a subtle personality shift to the dish while maintaining that essential Chicken Ala Mondo Salad spirit.

How can I make this salad dairy-free?

Just skip the mozzarella cheese or use a dairy-free cheese alternative! The salad is just as fresh and lively, still packed with all the zesty flavors you love.

What’s the best way to meal-prep Chicken Ala Mondo Salad?

When meal-prepping, keep the greens, chicken, and toppings separate in containers, then combine right before eating. Store the dressing in a small jar so everything stays crisp and vibrant until lunchtime.

Final Thoughts

There’s something undeniably joyful about a bowl of Chicken Ala Mondo Salad—the colors, the crunch, and the perfect balance of savory and sweet. Give it a whirl for your next meal, and you just might find it sneaking its way into your regular rotation. Gather your favorite people, toss up a bowl, and savor every bite!

Chicken Ala Mondo Salad Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.8 from 17 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 15 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

Print Recipe

Description

This Chicken Ala Mondo Salad is a delightful combination of tender chicken, mixed greens, crunchy almonds, sweet mandarin oranges, and savory cheese, all tossed in a flavorful dressing. It’s a refreshing and satisfying salad that’s perfect for a light lunch or dinner.

Ingredients

Scale

For the Salad:

2 cups cooked chicken breast, shredded or chopped
6 cups mixed salad greens (such as romaine, spinach, and arugula)
½ cup sliced almonds, toasted
½ cup mandarin orange segments, drained
¼ cup red onion, thinly sliced
½ cup cherry tomatoes, halved
¼ cup shredded mozzarella cheese
¼ cup crispy chow mein noodles (optional)
¼ cup balsamic vinaigrette or sesame-ginger dressing

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

Instructions

Combine Ingredients: In a large salad bowl, combine the mixed greens, shredded chicken, mandarin oranges, cherry tomatoes, red onion, and mozzarella cheese. Toss gently to distribute the ingredients evenly.
Add Toppings: Sprinkle the toasted sliced almonds and crispy chow mein noodles over the top.
Drizzle Dressing: Drizzle with balsamic vinaigrette or sesame-ginger dressing just before serving.
Serve: Toss again if desired and serve immediately.

Notes

Grilled or rotisserie chicken works great for this recipe.
Swap in cashews or walnuts for the almonds if preferred.
To make it dairy-free, omit the mozzarella or use a dairy-free cheese alternative.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 0 minutes
Category: Salad
Method: No-Cook
Cuisine: American