QUICK & EASY VEGAN MANDARIN “CHICKEN” SALAD (SOY CURL RECIPE!)

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Bright, citrusy, and totally oil-free, this Vegan Mandarin “Chicken” Salad is a fresh twist on a classic favorite. It features savory soy curls, crunchy cabbage, juicy mandarins, and a tangy tahini-ginger dressing that brings it all together.

Sometimes a salad hits different—and this one? Total game changer. I first saw a Mandarin chicken salad in the rotisserie section of a grocery store, and it instantly sparked an idea. What if I made a whole food plant-based version—no oil, animal products, just pure flavor and goodness?

Although that section of the store may not cater to vegans, it’s a great place to get inspiration for veganizing classic salads. A little imagination goes a long way!😊

This salad has that sweet-savory magic going on thanks to juicy mandarins and golden, flavor-packed soy curls.

Toss in some crunchy cabbage, creamy avocado, and a zingy tahini-ginger dressing, and you’ve got a salad that doesn’t just sit politely on the side of the plate—it is the main event.

WHAT ALLERGENS/INGREDIENTS IS THIS RECIPE FREE FROM?

This Recipe is vegan and:

• Dairy-Free
• Egg-Free
• Nut-Free (if you skip the almonds)
• Refined Sugar-Free
• Gluten-Free (if you use tamari or coconut aminos)
• Oil-Free

WHY THIS RECIPE WORKS AND WHY IS IT GOOD FOR YOU

This salad is a powerhouse of nutrients and textures:

• Cabbage & carrots bring fiber, crunch, and antioxidants.
• Soy curls provide hearty, plant-based protein and that “chickeny” vibe.
• Mandarins add vitamin C and natural sweetness.
• Tahini dressing delivers creaminess and calcium without a drop of oil.

Perfect for lunch, light dinners, or meal prep, this salad proves that eating plant-based can be anything but boring.

HOW TO PREPARE THIS VEGAN MANDARIN “CHICKEN” SALAD

📌(Please read the printable recipe card below for detailed ingredients, measurements, steps, and notes)

This Vegan Mandarin Chicken Salad is simple and easy to make. Soak the soy curls, sauté them with savory bouillon, whisk together a simple dressing, and toss it all with crisp veggies and juicy citrus. That’s it—easy, flavorful, and totally beginner-friendly.

Let’s explore kitchen tools, the required ingredients, and the steps with helpful pictures if needed.

USEFUL KITCHEN EQUIPMENT

Find all my plant-based kitchen’s essential tools and ingredient staples in my Amazon Storefront.

To make this recipe, you’ll need:

• Mixing Bowls – For tossing the salad and soaking soy curls.

•  Whisk – To blend your tahini dressing.

• Nonstick Skillet – To sauté the soy curls without oil.

• Knife + cutting board – For slicing fresh produce.

Now, let’s review the list of ingredients and potential substitutions in some cases.

INGREDIENTS NOTES

Here is a list of everything you will need to prepare this recipe:

Soy Curls:

• Soy curls are a plant–based “chicken” swap that is rich in protein and texture—sub: tofu, tempeh, or chickpeas.
• Vegan chicken bouillon – Adds savory flavor—sub: vegetable bouillon or seasoning blend.
• Tamari (optional) – Adds umami. Sub: soy sauce, coconut aminos, or liquid aminos.

Dressing:

• Tahini – Creamy dressing base. Sub: sunflower seed butter or almond butter.
• Rice vinegar – Bright acidity. Sub: apple cider or white wine vinegar.
• Soy sauce or coconut aminos – Savory depth. Sub: tamari or liquid aminos.
• Fresh ginger – Warm, zesty flavor. Sub: ¼ tsp ground ginger.
• Garlic powder – Mild garlicky flavor. Sub: onion powder or granulated garlic.
• Fresh orange juice – Adds citrus sweetness—sub: Mandarin juice or lemon juice + maple syrup.
• Maple syrup (optional) – Natural sweetness. Sub: date syrup or omit.

Salad base:

• Napa cabbage – Crunchy base. Sub: green cabbage or slaw mix.
• Purple cabbage – Adds color and crunch. Sub: red cabbage or more napa.
• Carrots – Sweet and vibrant.
• Green onions – Mild sharpness. Sub: chives or red onion (sparingly).
• Cilantro – Fresh herbal note. Sub: parsley.
• Mandarins – Juicy citrus bursts. Sub: orange segments or canned mandarins (rinsed).
• Slivered almonds (optional) – Crunchy texture. Sub: walnuts, pecans, or sunflower seeds.
• Avocado – Creamy, buttery finish.
• Sesame seeds (optional) – Garnish and texture.

DIRECTIONS

To prepare this recipe, follow these steps:

Soak soy curls in bouillon-infused hot water for 10 minutes. Drain and gently squeeze. Save the broth.

Sauté soy curls with reserved broth, remaining bouillon, and tamari (if using) until golden and crisp.

Whisk together tahini, vinegar, soy sauce, ginger, garlic powder, orange juice, and maple syrup for the dressing.

Prepare the Veggies, Fruits, and Herbs: Thinly slice the napa and purple cabbage. Shred the carrots. Slice the green onions. Peel and segment the mandarins. Chop the cilantro. Slice the avocado and, if using, prepare the slivered almonds and sesame seeds for topping.

Assemble salad with veggies, soy curls, mandarins, and almonds. Add avocado last.

Toss with dressing and garnish with sesame seeds. Serve and enjoy!

RECIPE TIPS & VARIATIONS

Make it nut-free: Skip the almonds or substitute with sunflower seeds.

Meal prep tip: Keep the dressing and avocado separate until ready to serve.

Short on time? Use pre-shredded slaw mix.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS (FAQs)

Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes! Prep all components in advance, but store the dressing and avocado separately to keep everything fresh.

How do I store leftovers?
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Add fresh avocado before serving.

Can I use oranges instead of mandarins?
Absolutely. Just peel and segment as you would with mandarins, or use orange supremes for a fancy touch.

MORE DELICIOUS SALAD RECIPES TO TRY!

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PRINTABLE RECIPE CARD