Delicious Asian Chicken Cranberry Salad

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## Delicious Asian Chicken Cranberry Salad

Yields: 4 Servings | Prep time: 20 mins | Cook time: 10 mins (if cooking chicken)

### Ingredients

The Salad Base:

  • 2 cups Shredded cooked chicken (rotisserie works great)

  • 4 cups Napa cabbage or green cabbage, thinly sliced

  • 1 cup Red cabbage, shredded (for color)

  • 1/2 cup Dried cranberries

  • 1/2 cup Carrots, julienned or shredded

  • 3 Green onions, thinly sliced

  • 1/4 cup Fresh cilantro, chopped

  • 1/4 cup Sliced almonds or cashews, toasted

The Sesame-Ginger Dressing:

  • 3 tbsp Rice vinegar

  • 2 tbsp Soy sauce (or liquid aminos)

  • 1 tbsp Honey or maple syrup

  • 1 tbsp Fresh ginger, minced

  • 1 tsp Sesame oil

  • 1/4 cup Neutral oil (avocado or grapeseed)

  • 1/2 tsp Garlic powder or 1 clove fresh garlic

### Instructions

  1. Whisk the Dressing: In a small jar or bowl, combine all dressing ingredients. Shake or whisk vigorously until the honey is dissolved and the oil is emulsified.

  2. Prep the Base: In a large mixing bowl, toss together both types of cabbage, carrots, green onions, and cilantro.

  3. Combine: Add the shredded chicken and dried cranberries to the bowl.

  4. Dress: Pour the dressing over the salad. Toss thoroughly to ensure the cabbage is well-coated.

  5. Finish: Just before serving, sprinkle the toasted almonds on top. This keeps them from getting soggy!

### Recipe Notes & Tips

  • The Crunch Factor: If you’re making this for meal prep, keep the dressing and the nuts separate. Add them only when you’re ready to eat to maintain the texture.

  • The Chicken: Use warm chicken if you like a “wilted” salad effect, or cold chicken for a crisp, refreshing summer meal.

  • Shortcut: Use a pre-packaged coleslaw mix to save 10 minutes of chopping time.

### Nutritional Info (Per Serving)

Estimated values based on standard ingredients:

Nutrient Amount
Calories 340 kcal
Protein 24g
Total Fat 18g
Carbohydrates 22g
Fiber 4g
Sugars 14g

### Why It’s Good For You (Benefits)

  • High Protein: The chicken provides a lean source of protein to keep you full until dinner.

  • Antioxidant Boost: Cranberries and purple cabbage are packed with anthocyanins and Vitamin C, which help fight inflammation.

  • Healthy Fats: Sesame oil and almonds provide heart-healthy monounsaturated fats.

### Questions & Answers

Q: Can I make this vegan?

A: Absolutely. Swap the chicken for extra-firm smoked tofu or shelled edamame, and use maple syrup instead of honey in the dressing.

Q: How long does it stay fresh in the fridge?

A: Because cabbage is heartier than lettuce, this salad holds up well. It will stay crunchy for about 24 hours once dressed. Undressed, the components will last 3–4 days.

Q: What if I don’t have rice vinegar?

A: Apple cider vinegar is a great substitute. It has a similar mild acidity that won’t overpower the ginger.

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