High-Protein Asian Chicken Cranberry Salad (Healthy Protein-Packed Lunch) Recipe
This High-Protein Asian Chicken Cranberry Salad is a refreshing, protein-packed meal that combines tender chicken, crunchy vegetables, sweet cranberries, and a flavorful sesame dressing. It’s perfect for healthy lunches, meal prep, or a light dinner that still keeps you satisfied.
Ingredients
- 2 cups cooked chicken
- 4 cups mixed greens
- 1 cup shredded red cabbage
- ½ cup shredded carrots
- ⅓ cup dried cranberries
- ¼ cup sliced almonds
- 2 green onions
- 1 tbsp sesame seeds
Dressing:
- 2 tbsp sesame oil
- 2 tbsp rice vinegar
- 1 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tsp honey
- 1 garlic clove
Instructions
- Begin by preparing the chicken. If using freshly cooked chicken breast, allow it to cool slightly and then slice or shred it into bite-sized pieces.
- Wash and dry the salad greens thoroughly so they remain crisp and fresh in the final dish.
- Slice the red cabbage into thin strips and shred the carrots using a grater or knife.
- Chop the green onions into thin slices.
- In a large mixing bowl combine the salad greens, shredded cabbage, shredded carrots, and cooked chicken.
- Add the dried cranberries, sliced almonds, and chopped green onions to the bowl.
- In a separate small bowl prepare the dressing by combining sesame oil, rice vinegar, soy sauce, honey, and minced garlic.
- Whisk the dressing ingredients together until smooth and well blended.
- Pour the dressing over the salad mixture.
- Toss everything gently using salad tongs until all ingredients are evenly coated.
- Sprinkle sesame seeds over the top for extra texture and flavor.
- Taste the salad and adjust seasoning if needed.
- Serve immediately while fresh and crisp.