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Asian Chicken Crunch Salad

Asian Chicken Crunch Salad
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The Asian Chicken Crunch Salad is a vibrant, protein-packed salad combining tender grilled chicken, crisp shredded cabbage, fresh vegetables, mandarin oranges, and a tangy, balanced dressing. Easy to prepare in under 30 minutes, this salad is perfect for a healthy lunch or a refreshing, colorful meal that pleases the palate with its fresh crunch and harmonious sweet, tangy, and savory flavors.

Ingredients

Scale

Protein

  • 1–2 cooked chicken breasts, grilled, roasted, or shredded (about 8 ounces)

Vegetables & Fruits

  • 2 cups shredded cabbage
  • 1 cup grated carrots
  • 3–4 green onions, thinly sliced
  • 1 cup mandarin oranges (fresh or canned, drained)

Nuts & Crunch

  • 1/4 cup slivered almonds or cashews

Dressing

  • 3 tablespoons rice vinegar
  • 2 tablespoons soy sauce (use gluten-free soy sauce or tamari if needed)
  • 1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup
  • 1 teaspoon sesame oil (optional)
  • Sriracha or chili flakes to taste (optional)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Chicken: Cook the chicken breast by grilling, roasting, or pan-searing with a pinch of salt and pepper. Once cooked, let it cool slightly, then shred or slice into bite-sized pieces.
  2. Chop and Shred Vegetables: Finely shred the cabbage, grate the carrots, and thinly slice the green onions to create a crisp, vibrant base for the salad.
  3. Make the Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together rice vinegar, soy sauce, honey, and optionally sesame oil and sriracha or chili flakes. Adjust sweetness and tanginess to your preference.
  4. Toss Ingredients Together: In a large bowl, combine shredded chicken, cabbage, carrots, green onions, and mandarin oranges. Pour the dressing over the mixture and gently toss to coat evenly.
  5. Add Crunchy Toppings: Sprinkle slivered almonds or cashews on top just before serving to maintain their crunch and provide a nutty complement to the salad.

Notes

  • Use fresh vegetables to ensure maximum crispness and flavor.
  • Prepare chicken ahead of time and refrigerate for quicker assembly.
  • Taste and adjust the dressing for a perfect balance of sweet, tangy, and salty flavors.
  • Add nuts at the end to keep them crunchy and avoid sogginess.
  • This salad works great with leftover roasted or grilled chicken.

Nutrition

Keywords: Asian Chicken Salad, Crunchy Salad, Healthy Lunch, Protein Salad, Gluten Free Salad, Quick Chicken Salad

Find it online: https://mealsbysarah.com/asian-chicken-crunch-salad/