{Sesame Ginger Mandarin Orange Salad}

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!