Description
Asian Cranberry Chicken Salad is a vibrant and refreshing dish combining tender chicken, crunchy vegetables, and the unique tartness of cranberries. Perfect for any season
Ingredients
Scale
or the Chicken Preparation:
- 1 pound boneless chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon ground ginger
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
For the Salad Mix:
- 4 cups mixed greens (e.g., spinach, arugula, romaine)
- 1 cup dried cranberries
- 1 medium carrot, shredded
- 1 medium bell pepper (red or yellow), diced
- 1 medium cucumber, thinly sliced
- 2 green onions, sliced thinly
- ½ cup sliced almonds (optional)
For the Dressing:
- ½ cup mayonnaise
- ¼ cup Greek yogurt
- 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 1 teaspoon soy sauce
- 1 teaspoon toasted sesame seeds
Optional Garnishes and Add-ins:
- ¼ cup chopped cilantro
- ¼ cup chopped peanuts or cashews
- Lime wedges
- 1 avocado, sliced
Instructions
- Prepare the Chicken:
- Marinate chicken pieces in soy sauce, sesame oil, minced garlic, and ground ginger for at least 30 minutes.
- Coat with cornstarch. Heat a skillet over medium heat and cook the chicken for about 6-7 minutes on each side until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C).
- Remove from heat and let it rest for 5-10 minutes before slicing into strips or cubes. Allow it to cool.
- Mix the Salad:
- In a large mixing bowl, combine mixed greens, shredded carrots, dried cranberries, diced bell peppers, sliced cucumber, and green onions.
- Toss gently to combine.
- Prepare the Dressing:
- Whisk together mayonnaise, Greek yogurt, rice vinegar, honey, soy sauce, and toasted sesame seeds until smooth.
- Assemble the Salad:
- Add the cooled chicken to the salad mix.
- Pour the dressing over the salad and toss gently to coat evenly.
- Let it sit for 5 minutes to meld flavors.
- Garnish and Serve:
- Garnish with optional ingredients like chopped cilantro, peanuts, or cashews.
- Serve immediately or chilled.
Notes
If freezing, store chicken separately from salad components. Thaw overnight and reheat chicken gently.
- Prep Time: 15
- Cook Time: 15
- Category: Salad, Side Dish
- Method: Tossing
- Cuisine: Asian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 250 kcal
- Sugar: 10 g
- Sodium: 300 mg
- Fat: 10 g
- Saturated Fat: 1.5 g
- Carbohydrates: 30 g
- Fiber: 5 g
- Protein: 20 g
- Cholesterol: 60 mg