Imagine a salad that’s more than just a sidekick—it’s the star of your table and the reason everyone comes back for seconds. That’s the magic of Chicken Ala Mondo Salad. With juicy chicken, vibrant greens, a pop of mandarin orange, delicate mozzarella, and the irresistible crunch of toasted almonds and chow mein noodles, this hearty salad strikes the perfect balance between nourishing and indulgent. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or just craving a fresh, flavor-packed meal, this Chicken Ala Mondo Salad delivers a glorious mix of textures and flavors, destined to become your new go-to favorite.

Chicken Ala Mondo Salad Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The best part about Chicken Ala Mondo Salad is how effortlessly its fresh, colorful ingredients come together. Every component brings something special—whether that’s crunch, creaminess, or a burst of sweetness. Here’s what you’ll need and why each is essential:

Cooked Chicken Breast (2 cups, shredded or chopped): This hearty protein is the backbone of the salad, soaking up all the other flavors beautifully.
Mixed Salad Greens (6 cups): A blend like romaine, spinach, and arugula creates a vibrant base with a mix of tender and crisp textures.
Sliced Almonds, Toasted (½ cup): Adding a nutty crunch, these almonds take every bite up a notch and play off the sweetness of the fruit.
Mandarin Orange Segments, Drained (½ cup): Sweet and juicy, these little orbs burst with flavor and brighten every forkful.
Red Onion, Thinly Sliced (¼ cup): For a subtle sharpness that brings the whole salad to life without overpowering the other ingredients.
Cherry Tomatoes, Halved (½ cup): Fresh, juicy, and a little tangy, they add vibrant pops of color and flavor.
Shredded Mozzarella Cheese (¼ cup): Creamy mozzarella adds a melt-in-your-mouth touch and a gentle savoriness.
Crispy Chow Mein Noodles (¼ cup, optional): These bring a fabulous crunch—not required, but highly recommended for fun texture!
Balsamic Vinaigrette or Sesame-Ginger Dressing (¼ cup): The final flourish: your choice of dressing infuses every leaf and bite with delightful zing or depth.

How to Make Chicken Ala Mondo Salad

Step 1: Prep Your Ingredients

Start by gathering all your fresh ingredients—wash and dry the greens, halve the cherry tomatoes, thinly slice the red onion, and shred or chop the cooked chicken breast. If you’re using leftover rotisserie or grilled chicken, this step is a breeze! Have your mandarin oranges drained and almonds toasted, so everything is ready to go when you start assembling.

Step 2: Build the Salad Base

In a roomy salad bowl, combine the mixed greens, shredded chicken, mandarin orange segments, cherry tomatoes, red onion, and shredded mozzarella cheese. Don’t worry about being too precise with layering—the beauty of Chicken Ala Mondo Salad is in its casual, tossed style. The mingling flavors and textures are what make every bite different and exciting.

Step 3: Add Crunch and Color

Sprinkle the toasted sliced almonds over the salad, distributing them nice and evenly so every serving gets a good amount of crunch. If you like things extra crispy, scatter the chow mein noodles on top as well—they’re optional, but they absolutely elevate the texture of the finished dish.

Step 4: Dress and Toss

Just before serving, drizzle the salad with your chosen dressing—whether you’re leaning bright and tangy with balsamic vinaigrette or going for a savory, nutty note with sesame-ginger. Give everything a gentle toss to coat, taking care not to bruise the greens, and your Chicken Ala Mondo Salad is ready to enjoy!

How to Serve Chicken Ala Mondo Salad

Garnishes

A final sprinkle of extra sliced almonds or fresh herbs like parsley or cilantro adds a pretty finish and that extra special “you-made-this!” feeling. If you love a hint of spice, a few red pepper flakes or thinly sliced fresh chili can bring subtle heat to your Chicken Ala Mondo Salad.

Side Dishes

While this salad is certainly a meal in itself, it also pairs wonderfully with warm artisan bread, a simple cup of soup, or even a handful of baked pita chips. If you’re serving a crowd, set your Chicken Ala Mondo Salad alongside a refreshing fruit platter or a bright citrusy soup to create a full, colorful spread.

Creative Ways to Present

Looking to wow at lunch or your next get-together? Serve Chicken Ala Mondo Salad in hollowed-out bell peppers or on a bed of chilled couscous. For parties, you can plate individual portions in mason jars or mini glass cups for a chic, portable appetizer. However you present it, this salad is a sincere showstopper.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you find yourself with leftover Chicken Ala Mondo Salad, simply transfer it to an airtight container and keep it in the refrigerator. The salad is best enjoyed within 24 hours, as the greens and chow mein noodles will gradually soften, yet the flavors do meld beautifully overnight.

Freezing

Due to the delicate nature of fresh greens and citrus, Chicken Ala Mondo Salad isn’t a great candidate for freezing. The texture of the vegetables and fruit can become watery once thawed. However, cooked chicken breast can be frozen on its own, ready to toss in fresh salad when you’re short on time.

Reheating

Since this salad shines when served cold and crisp, reheating isn’t necessary—or recommended. If you’re meal prepping, simply add the dressing, almonds, and crispy noodles just before serving for the best texture and flavor.

FAQs

Can I use a different protein instead of chicken?

Absolutely! Grilled shrimp, tofu cubes, or even seared steak can all step in where chicken is called for. Feel free to make your Chicken Ala Mondo Salad entirely your own.

Is there a way to make Chicken Ala Mondo Salad dairy-free?

Yes—just omit the mozzarella cheese or use your favorite dairy-free alternative! The salad is every bit as delicious and still loaded with protein and crunch.

What dressings go best with this salad?

Both balsamic vinaigrette and sesame-ginger dressing bring something unique. Balsamic will highlight the sweetness of the mandarin oranges, while sesame-ginger adds an Asian-style flair that’s especially tasty with the almonds and chow mein noodles.

How do I keep the salad from getting soggy if making ahead?

Wait to add the dressing, almonds, and crispy noodles until you’re ready to serve. Store the base salad in a sealed container, then quickly toss with the toppings and dressing when you set the table.

Can I add more veggies or swap out ingredients?

Definitely! Sliced cucumbers, shredded carrots, or even avocado make great additions. Nuts like walnuts or cashews can replace almonds, and feel free to swap in mixed greens to match what you have on hand.

Final Thoughts

There’s something truly special about serving a dish that tastes as joyful as it looks, and Chicken Ala Mondo Salad fits the bill every single time. If you’re ready to add a fresh, flavor-packed star to your meal rotation, this salad is begging for a spot at your table. Give it a try—you’ll quickly see why it’s a forever favorite!

Chicken Ala Mondo Salad Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.6 from 13 reviews

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

Print Recipe

Description

This Chicken Ala Mondo Salad is a refreshing and satisfying dish that combines tender chicken with a mix of greens, crunchy almonds, sweet mandarin oranges, and savory mozzarella cheese, all tossed in a delightful balsamic vinaigrette or sesame-ginger dressing.

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

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Instructions

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.

Sprinkle the toasted sliced almonds and crispy chow mein noodles over the top.
Drizzle with balsamic vinaigrette or sesame-ginger dressing just before serving.

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