Asian Chicken Cranberry Salad
Asian Chicken Cranberry Salad combines tender, seasoned chicken with crisp greens, juicy cranberries, crunchy almonds, and a tangy sesame-ginger dressing. This vibrant salad is perfect for a quick lunch, a light dinner, or a refreshing side dish. Packed with flavor and textures, it’s as delicious as it is healthy.
Ingredients
- For the Salad:
- 2 cups cooked chicken breast shredded or diced
- 6 cups mixed greens spinach, arugula, or romaine
- 1 cup dried cranberries
- 1 cup shredded carrots
- 1/2 cup sliced almonds or cashews for a creamier crunch
- 1/2 cup thinly sliced red bell pepper
- 2 green onions finely chopped
- 2 tablespoons sesame seeds optional, for garnish
- For the Sesame Ginger Dressing:
- 1/4 cup soy sauce low-sodium preferred
- 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 2 tablespoons honey or maple syrup for a vegan option
- 1 teaspoon fresh ginger
- 1 clove garlic minced
- 1/4 teaspoon red chili flakes optional, for a slight kick
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
Instructions
- Prepare the Chicken:
- If the chicken is not pre-cooked, season raw chicken breasts with salt and pepper, and cook in a skillet over medium heat with a drizzle of olive oil until golden and fully cooked (about 5 minutes per side). Let it cool before shredding or dicing.
- Make the Dressing:
- In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, rice vinegar, sesame oil, honey, ginger, garlic, and chili flakes. Slowly drizzle in olive oil while whisking until the dressing is emulsified. Set aside.
- Assemble the Salad:
- In a large salad bowl, combine mixed greens, chicken, cranberries, carrots, red bell pepper, green onions, and sliced almonds. Toss gently to mix the ingredients.
- Dress the Salad:
- Pour the sesame ginger dressing over the salad and toss to coat evenly. Sprinkle sesame seeds on top if using.
- Serve and Enjoy:
- Divide the salad into bowls or plates and serve immediately.
Notes
- For a vegetarian option, substitute chicken with tofu or chickpeas.
- Fresh cranberries can be used instead of dried for a tangier flavor.
- Add mandarin orange slices for a sweet citrus twist.
- Prep the dressing in advance and store in the refrigerator for up to a week.
- Use pre-cooked rotisserie chicken for an even quicker version of this salad.
Nutrition
Calories: 370kcalCarbohydrates: 30gProtein: 25gFat: 18gSodium: 400mgFiber: 5gSugar: 12g
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