Did you know that May is National Salad Month? Yup! An entire month dedicated to one of my favorite foods (odd I know)!
This Sesame Ginger Mandarin Orange Salad is one of Derek's favorite salads (he actually request it)! This salad is a tried and true crowd pleaser and with just a few ingredients this salad makes an awesome dinner side or pot luck dish (got a Memorial Day Party to attend, bring this salad)!
However, you can instantly transform this flavor packed salad into a light main meal by adding crispy baked chicken or marinaded tofu! I recently found Nasoya TofuBaked and am in love! Its a great source of protein and really completes this salad! Today I will give you three serving options for this awesome Sesame Ginger Mandarin Orange Salad!
Sesame Ginger Mandarin Orange Salad
Brunch N'Cupcakes
Serves 4-5
Ingredients:
For Salad:
1 Bag of Baby Spinach
1 Bag Butter Lettuce
1/4 Cup Sliced Almonds
1 - 15 Oz. Can Mandarin Oranges Drained
1/3 Cup Crumbled Feta
2 Green Onions Chopped
1/4-1/3 Cup Newman's Own Light Sesame Ginger Dressing **See Note Below
Protein Source (if making as a main meal) Crispy Baked Chicken (Recipe Below) or 1 Package Nasoya TofuBaked (I like the Sesame Ginger flavor)
Ingredients for Crispy Chicken
1 Package Chicken Tender Strips - 14 Oz (I used Just Bare Brand Chicken Breast Tenders)
1 Teaspoon Basil, Garlic Powder and Paprika
3/4 Cup Panko Bread Crumbs
2 Egg Whites
1 Tablespoon Milk
Serving Option #1 - Salad Only
Directions for Salad:
1- In a large bowl combine spinach, lettuce, sliced almonds, mandarin oranges, crumbled feta and green onions. Lightly Toss.
Serving Option #2 Salad with Bake Crispy Chicken!
Direction for Sesame Ginger Mandarin Orange Salad with Baked Crispy Chicken:
1- In a large bowl combine spinach, lettuce, sliced almonds, mandarin oranges, crumbled feta and green onions. Lightly Toss. Set aside until chicken is ready
2- Grab two bowls. In one bowl combine egg whites and milk, whisk to combine. In second bowl stir together Panko Bread Crumbs, Basil, Garlic Powder, Paprika and Pepper.
3- Dredge each chicken tender through the egg/milk mixture and then lightly coat chicken tender in bread crumb mixture. Set on baking sheet and repeat with remaining pieces of chicken.
4- Bake in a 350 degree oven for 15-20 minutes or until chicken is cooked through.
5- Allow chicken to cool, cut into bite size strips, top salad and serve.
Serving Option #3 with baked and marinaded tofu!
Directions for Sesame Ginger Mandarin Orange Salad with Marinaded Baked Tofu:
1- In a large bowl combine spinach, lettuce, sliced almonds, mandarin oranges, crumbled feta and green onions. Lightly Toss. Set aside.
2- Cut package of tofu into bite size pieces, about 1 inch cubes. Top salad with marinaded tofu and serve.
**Note:
I usually set the dressing out in a decorative serving bowl and let guests spoon their own dressing on - or you can pour your desired amount of dressing over the salad (1/4-1/3 Cup) and toss to combine right before serving!
Enjoy!
