Description
Asian Chicken Cranberry Salad is a fresh and vibrant salad that combines tender cooked chicken breast, smoky turkey bacon, mixed greens, dried cranberries, and a tangy natural cranberry dressing. This quick and easy salad is perfect for a light lunch or dinner, offering a flavorful mix of sweet, savory, and zesty tastes with a satisfying crunch and nutritious ingredients.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 1 cup cooked chicken breast, shredded or diced
- 4 slices smoked turkey bacon, cooked crisp and crumbled
- 4 cups mixed greens (baby spinach, kale, romaine)
- 1/2 cup dried cranberries
- 2 green onions, thinly sliced
- 1/2 cup shredded carrot
- 1/4 cup toasted almonds
- 1 tablespoon sesame seeds
Cranberry Dressing (natural)
- 1/2 cup cranberry juice (natural)
- 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
- 1 teaspoon natural gelling agent
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil (natural)
- 1 teaspoon honey (natural)
- Pinch of salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the Chicken and Bacon: Cook chicken breast until juicy and fully cooked, then allow it to cool before shredding or dicing. Cook smoked turkey bacon until crisp, then crumble into bite-sized pieces to add savory crunch.
- Assemble the Greens and Veggies: In a large salad bowl, combine mixed greens, shredded carrots, and thinly sliced green onions to create a fresh and textured base.
- Add Cranberries and Nuts: Sprinkle dried cranberries and toasted almonds over the greens, introducing sweetness and nutty richness to the salad.
- Prepare the Cranberry Dressing (natural): Whisk together cranberry juice, apple cider vinegar, natural gelling agent, sesame oil, honey, salt, and pepper until smooth and well combined to create a balanced and zesty dressing.
- Toss the Salad: Pour the dressing over the assembled salad ingredients and toss gently to coat everything evenly. Finally, add the shredded chicken and crumbled smoked turkey bacon, mixing carefully to maintain the salad’s texture.
Notes
- Use fresh, crisp greens to prevent sogginess.
- Poach or grill chicken breasts evenly to retain moisture and tenderness.
- Lightly toast almonds to enhance aroma and crunch without burning.
- Chill dressing for at least 30 minutes to blend flavors well.
- Add dressing just before serving to keep salad crisp.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Appetizers
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Asian Fusion
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 salad serving
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 12g
- Sodium: 480mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 2.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 24g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 55mg
Keywords: Asian Chicken Salad, Cranberry Salad, Healthy Salad, Quick Salad, Chicken Salad with Cranberry Dressing
