Pin it
This colorful Teriyaki Chicken Salad brings the beloved Red Robin Banzai Salad experience right to your kitchen. The combination of sweet teriyaki glazed chicken, juicy mandarin oranges, and crunchy toasted almonds creates a perfect balance of flavors that makes an ordinary salad extraordinary. After discovering how easy it was to recreate this restaurant favorite at home, it quickly became my go-to for impressing dinner guests without spending hours in the kitchen.
I first attempted this recipe after craving my favorite Red Robin salad during lockdown. What began as a necessity has turned into a weekly tradition in our household. My teenagers even request it before their sports games for a nutritious meal that keeps them satisfied.
Ingredients
- Chicken tenders or breasts: Marinating in teriyaki sauce creates the centerpiece of this salad. The sweet glaze caramelizes beautifully during cooking.
- Romaine lettuce: Provides the perfect crisp foundation that holds up well under the dressing.
- Shredded carrots and red cabbage: Add vibrant color contrast and nutritional variety.
- Edamame: Contributes plant protein and a subtle nutty flavor that complements the teriyaki.
- Mandarin oranges: Bring bursts of juicy sweetness that balance the savory elements.
- Toasted almonds: Deliver essential crunch and richness. Always toast fresh for maximum flavor.
- Sesame seeds: Add visual appeal and a delicate nutty flavor that enhances the Asian inspiration.
- Homemade honey mustard dressing: With mayonnaise, honey, two mustards, vinegar and olive oil creates a creamy tang that ties everything together.
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Marinate the Chicken:
- Place chicken and teriyaki sauce in a sealable bag, ensuring each piece is well coated. Allow to marinate for at least 30 minutes, though longer marination up to 24 hours in the refrigerator intensifies flavor. The acidity in the sauce helps tenderize the meat while infusing it with sweet umami notes.
- Bake the Chicken:
- Preheat your oven to 400°F and arrange the marinated chicken pieces in a foil lined baking dish. Cook for 10 to 20 minutes depending on thickness. The chicken should reach an internal temperature of 165°F. Allow to cool completely before slicing to maintain juiciness. The cooling period allows the meat fibers to relax and retain moisture.
- Prepare the Dressing:
- Combine all dressing ingredients in a mason jar with tight fitting lid and shake vigorously until emulsified. The sugar and honey dissolve best if you shake continuously for at least 30 seconds. Refrigerate until ready to use, allowing flavors to meld together. This dressing can be made up to three days ahead.
- Toast the Nuts:
- After removing the chicken, use the hot oven to toast almonds and sesame seeds on a baking sheet for approximately 5 minutes. Watch carefully as nuts can quickly go from perfectly toasted to burnt. The toasting process releases essential oils that dramatically enhance flavor.
- Assemble the Salad:
- Combine lettuce, carrots, cabbage and edamame in a large bowl. Toss with half the dressing, ensuring even coating. Arrange on a platter or individual plates. Top with sliced chicken, mandarin oranges, toasted almonds and sesame seeds. The layering creates visual appeal and ensures each bite contains multiple flavors and textures.
Pin it
You Must Know
- This salad packs over 29g of protein per serving
- Makes an excellent meal prep option with components prepared ahead
- Contains vitamin A from carrots and vitamin C from oranges for immune support
- Lower carb than the restaurant version when you control dressing amount
The mandarin oranges are what truly elevate this salad from good to memorable. I discovered this by accident when I ran out of fresh oranges and substituted canned mandarins. Their sweet juiciness creates the perfect counterpoint to the savory chicken and adds a brightness that fresh oranges sometimes lack.
Pin it
Make Ahead Instructions
This salad becomes even more convenient when you plan ahead. Marinate and cook the chicken up to two days before serving and store in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The dressing can be prepared three days in advance and actually improves as flavors meld. Chop vegetables the morning of serving day and store in separate containers lined with paper towels to absorb excess moisture. Toast nuts and seeds just before assembly to maintain maximum crunch. When ready to serve, simply arrange components on plates or a serving platter.
Creative Variations
The beauty of this salad lies in its adaptability. For a vegetarian version, substitute the chicken with grilled tofu or tempeh marinated in the same teriyaki sauce. The protein will absorb the flavors beautifully with a slightly different texture. Consider adding fresh pineapple chunks for a tropical twist that complements the teriyaki wonderfully. For added crunch and visual appeal, crispy wonton strips make an excellent addition to the topping. During avocado season, adding sliced avocado introduces a creamy element that works surprisingly well with the other components.
Nutrition Boost
This salad already offers substantial nutritional benefits, but you can enhance its health profile even further. Replace half the mayonnaise in the dressing with Greek yogurt to increase protein while reducing fat content. Add a handful of spinach or kale among the romaine for additional vitamins and minerals without significantly altering the flavor profile. Quinoa makes an excellent addition for extra protein and fiber, creating a more substantial meal. Just cook according to package directions, cool completely, and add a half cup to each serving. For those watching sodium intake, rinse the mandarin oranges thoroughly if using canned varieties, and consider making your own lower sodium teriyaki sauce.
Frequently Asked Questions
- → How can I make the teriyaki chicken tender and flavorful?
Marinate the chicken in teriyaki sauce for a minimum of 30 minutes to enhance flavor. Baking the chicken ensures it stays tender and juicy.
- → Can I make this salad ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the chicken and dressing a day in advance. Assemble the vegetables and toppings just before serving to maintain freshness.
- → What are some good substitutions for the honey mustard dressing?
If you prefer a lighter option, try a sesame ginger vinaigrette. For added creaminess, Greek yogurt may replace mayonnaise in the dressing.
- → How can I customize this salad to suit dietary needs?
For a low-carb option, reduce or omit the mandarin oranges. To make it vegetarian, replace chicken with grilled tofu or tempeh.
- → What toppings can I add for extra texture and flavor?
Topping suggestions include crispy wontons, fried shallots, or a sprinkle of crumbled feta cheese to enhance texture and taste.