Asian Chicken Cranberry Salad
An Asian Chicken Cranberry Salad combines the flavors of savory grilled chicken, tangy cranberries, and a variety of crunchy veggies with an Asian-inspired dressing. This salad is a vibrant and healthy dish, perfect for lunch or a light dinner. Here’s a simple recipe to make it:
Ingredients:
For the Salad:
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (grilled or cooked)
- 4 cups mixed greens (such as spinach, lettuce, or arugula)
- 1/2 cup dried cranberries
- 1/2 cup sliced almonds or cashews (optional, for crunch)
- 1/2 cucumber, thinly sliced
- 1/2 red bell pepper, thinly sliced
- 1/4 red onion, thinly sliced
- 1/4 cup shredded carrots
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro or green onions, chopped (optional)
For the Dressing:
- 3 tbsp soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free)
- 1 tbsp rice vinegar
- 1 tbsp honey or maple syrup
- 1 tbsp sesame oil
- 1 tsp freshly grated ginger
- 1 tsp garlic, minced
- 1 tsp lime juice (optional, for extra zing)
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
- Prepare the Chicken:
- Season the chicken breasts with salt, pepper, and a little olive oil.
- Grill or pan-fry the chicken until fully cooked (about 6-7 minutes per side). Let the chicken rest for a few minutes before slicing it thinly.
- Make the Dressing:
- In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, rice vinegar, honey, sesame oil, grated ginger, garlic, and lime juice (if using).
- Taste and adjust the seasoning, adding more honey for sweetness or soy sauce for saltiness.
- Assemble the Salad:
- In a large salad bowl, toss together the mixed greens, cucumber, red bell pepper, red onion, shredded carrots, cranberries, and nuts (if using).
- Add the sliced chicken on top.
- Dress the Salad:
- Drizzle the dressing over the salad just before serving, and toss gently to combine.
- Serve:
- Garnish with fresh cilantro or green onions for added flavor and color.
- Serve immediately, and enjoy!
This salad is packed with fresh, vibrant flavors and can be customized with your favorite veggies or toppings. You can even make it a bit heartier by adding quinoa or rice. Enjoy!