Mandarin Chicken Salad for Your Derby Day Spread

There’s something magical about the first Saturday in May when the most exciting two minutes in sports captures our collective imagination.

The Kentucky Derby isn’t just a horse race - it’s a celebration of Southern hospitality, tradition, and of course, delicious food and drink.

While mint juleps and hot browns may get all the glory, a successful Derby party needs balance. Between the bourbon and the rich Kentucky classics, your guests will thank you for including something refreshing and bright on your spread. 

Enter my favorite Mandarin Chicken Salad, a colorful, flavor-packed dish that can be prepped ahead so you don’t miss a moment of the festivities.

Why This Salad Is a Sure Bet for Derby Day

This isn’t just any chicken salad. The combination of sweet mandarins, tender chicken, and crunchy pecans creates a texture and flavor profile that’s both satisfying and light. The white balsamic dressing brings everything together with a touch of sweetness that complements the traditional Derby fare without competing with it.

Best of all? You can prepare most components the day before, allowing you to be a present host rather than a kitchen-bound chef when your guests arrive in their Derby finest.

Mandarin Chicken Salad Recipe

For the Dressing

½ cup extra virgin olive oil 

⅓ cup white balsamic vinegar

3 tbsp apple cider vinegar

2 tbsp honey

1 tsp seasoning (I use Magic Swamp Dust!)

½ shallot (very finely minced)

For the Salad

5 oz spring mix

1 head butter lettuce, torn

10 oz roasted pecans (roasting really brings out the flavor of pecans, so don’t skip this step! You can also use almonds or walnuts, but I prefer pecans.)

5 oz bleu cheese, cut into small crumbles

2 mandarin oranges, peeled and supremed 

2 medium avocados, sliced

2 rotisserie chickens (shredded)

Optional: crispy wontons

Instructions:

1. Dressing: Add all ingredients to a bowl and whisk vigorously until thoroughly blended

2. Salad: Add all ingredients to a large serving bowl and toss until combined. 

Making this salad for Derby Day? Be sure to share a pic of you and your crew in your Derby finery with your salad and tag us on Instagram! @rclinteriors