Description

The Asian Chicken Crunch Salad offers a vibrant mix of crisp vegetables, tender grilled chicken, and smoky turkey bacon, all tossed in a creamy, zesty natural dressing. This fresh and satisfying salad bursts with texture and flavor, making it perfect for a quick lunch or a standout dinner that is both colorful and delicious.

Ingredients

Scale

Protein

2 chicken breasts, grilled or baked
4 slices smoked turkey bacon

Vegetables

2 cups thinly sliced red cabbage
1 cup shredded carrots
4 green onions, roughly chopped
1 cup trimmed snow peas
½ cup chopped cilantro

Dressing

3 tablespoons natural almond butter
2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar (natural)
1 tablespoon sesame oil (natural)
1 tablespoon vegetarian Worcestershire sauce (natural)
1 tablespoon natural soy sauce
1 teaspoon natural honey (natural)
¼ teaspoon natural gelling agent

Garnish

1 tablespoon toasted sesame seeds
Extra chopped cilantro (optional)
Lime wedges (optional)

Instructions

Prepare the Chicken: Season chicken breasts with salt and pepper. Grill or bake until cooked through and juicy. Allow to cool slightly, then slice thinly to maintain tenderness.
Cook the Smoked Turkey Bacon: Crisp smoked turkey bacon in a hot pan until golden. Drain excess fat with paper towels and chop into bite-sized pieces.
Chop and Prepare Veggies: Thinly slice red cabbage, shred carrots, trim snow peas, and roughly chop green onions and cilantro. Ensure consistent sizes for balanced flavors.
Make the Zesty Dressing: In a bowl, whisk together natural almond butter, apple cider vinegar, sesame oil, vegetarian Worcestershire sauce, natural soy sauce, natural honey, and natural gelling agent until smooth and creamy. Adjust seasoning to taste.
Toss It All Together: Combine chicken, smoked turkey bacon, and vegetables in a large bowl. Pour dressing over the mixture and toss gently to coat evenly without bruising the produce.
Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle toasted sesame seeds and extra chopped cilantro on top. Serve with lime wedges if desired for added brightness.

Notes

Use the freshest vegetables possible for maximum crispness and flavor.
Add just enough natural gelling agent to keep the dressing clingy but light.
Let chicken rest after cooking to keep it juicy when sliced.
Toast sesame seeds in a dry pan to enhance their nutty flavor.
Taste and adjust dressing gradually to balance acidity, sweetness, and saltiness.

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Category: Appetizers
Method: Baking
Cuisine: Asian Fusion

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 serving
Calories: 350
Sugar: 6g
Sodium: 450mg
Fat: 18g
Saturated Fat: 3g
Unsaturated Fat: 12g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 22g
Fiber: 5g
Protein: 30g
Cholesterol: 65mg

Keywords: Asian salad, chicken salad, crunchy salad, healthy lunch, gluten free salad