Asian Chicken Salad
Satisfy your craving for a healthy yet flavorful meal with this Asian Chicken Salad. It combines tender chicken, crisp greens, and sweet-tart cranberries, all tied together by a tangy sesame ginger dressing.
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Servings: 4
Ingredients
Cooked Chicken (2 cups, shredded or cubed)
- Ideal for using up leftover rotisserie chicken or quickly poaching breasts.
Mixed Greens (4 cups)
- Combine spinach arugula, and romaine for varied flavors and textures.
Shredded Carrots (1 cup)
- Brightens the salad visually and adds a pleasant crunch.
Red Cabbage (1 cup, thinly sliced)
- Contributes vibrant color and a hearty bite.
Dried Cranberries (½ cup)
- Brings sweetness that balances the savory dressing.
Sliced Almonds or Peanuts (½ cup)
- Add healthy fats and a satisfying crunch.
Green Onions (¼ cup, chopped)
- Mild onion taste that complements the rest without overpowering.
Dressing
Soy Sauce (¼ cup)
- Use low-sodium if desired to regulate salt content.
Rice Vinegar (2 tbsp)
- Adds a gentle tang; can be substituted with apple cider vinegar in a pinch.
Sesame Oil (1 tbsp)
- A small amount provides big nutty flavor.
Honey or Maple Syrup (1 tbsp)
- Brings the sweet element to balance the dressing.
Fresh Ginger (1 tsp, grated)
- A warm spicy kick essential to the Asian-inspired profile.
Garlic (1 clove, minced)
- Adds a savory depth to the sauce.
Salt & Pepper (to taste)
- Season the dressing carefully bearing in mind the soy sauce’s saltiness.
Instructions
Combine Salad Base
- In a large bowl, add mixed greens, shredded carrots, sliced red cabbage, dried cranberries, chopped nuts, and green onions.
Add Chicken
- Gently fold in the cooked chicken, ensuring it’s evenly distributed among the veggies.
Whisk Dressing
- In a separate small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, rice vinegar, sesame oil, honey, grated ginger, and minced garlic.
- Taste and season with salt and pepper as needed.
Dress the Salad
- Drizzle the dressing over the salad.
- Toss gently to ensure all ingredients are coated with the flavorful sauce.
Serve or Chill
- Serve immediately at room temperature, or refrigerate for up to 2 hours to allow flavors to meld.
- Give it a final toss before plating to distribute the dressing thoroughly.
Notes
Maximize Crunch
To maintain that satisfying crunch, add the nuts and cranberries just before serving. This helps prevent them from softening if the salad is made ahead or sits in the fridge, ensuring every forkful retains its vibrant texture. Asian Chicken Salad delivers the perfect harmony of sweet, savory, and tangy notes in a single bowl. Whether you serve it as a light lunch or pair it with soup for a heartier dinner, its versatility and ease make it a staple worth adding to your recipe lineup. One taste, and you’ll realize how effortlessly a few fresh ingredients can turn into a refreshing meal that pleases everyone at the table.
To maintain that satisfying crunch, add the nuts and cranberries just before serving. This helps prevent them from softening if the salad is made ahead or sits in the fridge, ensuring every forkful retains its vibrant texture. Asian Chicken Salad delivers the perfect harmony of sweet, savory, and tangy notes in a single bowl. Whether you serve it as a light lunch or pair it with soup for a heartier dinner, its versatility and ease make it a staple worth adding to your recipe lineup. One taste, and you’ll realize how effortlessly a few fresh ingredients can turn into a refreshing meal that pleases everyone at the table.