Asian Chicken Crunch Salad
Enjoy a fresh and vibrant meal with this Asian Chicken Crunch Salad, a perfect blend of flavors and textures that will satisfy your cravings while keeping your health goals in mind. This salad features tender chicken, crisp vegetables, and a flavorful sesame dressing, making it an ideal choice for lunch or dinner. Not only is it delicious, but it is also low in Weight Watchers points, making it a guilt-free option for anyone looking to eat healthy.
Ingredients
For the Salad:
1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts
4 cups mixed salad greens (such as romaine, spinach, or kale)
1 cup shredded carrots
1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced
1 cup shredded purple cabbage
1 cup cucumber, thinly sliced
½ cup chopped green onions
½ cup shelled edamame (fresh or frozen)
¼ cup chopped cilantro (optional)
¼ cup roasted peanuts or cashews (optional for crunch)
For the Dressing:
¼ cup low-sodium soy sauce
2 tablespoons rice vinegar
1 tablespoon sesame oil
1 tablespoon honey or sugar substitute equivalent
1 teaspoon fresh ginger, grated
1 teaspoon garlic, minced
1 teaspoon sesame seeds (optional for garnish)
Instructions
Prepare the Chicken:
Start by seasoning the chicken breasts with salt and pepper. Heat a grill pan or skillet over medium heat, and lightly coat with cooking spray or a small amount of olive oil. Cook the chicken for about 6-7 minutes per side, or until cooked through and no longer pink in the center. Remove from heat and let it rest for a few minutes before slicing into strips.
Make the Dressing:
In a small bowl, whisk together the low-sodium soy sauce, rice vinegar, sesame oil, honey, grated ginger, and minced garlic. Taste and adjust the sweetness or acidity as needed. This dressing will add a delightful flavor to your salad.
Prepare the Vegetables:
While the chicken is cooking, wash and prepare the salad greens. Chop the lettuce into bite-sized pieces and place it in a large salad bowl. Add the shredded carrots, sliced red bell pepper, shredded purple cabbage, cucumber, green onions, and edamame. Toss the vegetables together to combine.
Combine the Chicken and Salad:
Once the chicken has cooled slightly, add the sliced chicken on top of the mixed salad. This will ensure that the chicken remains tender and juicy.
Dress the Salad:
Drizzle the prepared dressing over the salad and chicken. Toss everything gently to combine, making sure the dressing evenly coats all the ingredients. If desired, you can reserve some dressing for serving on the side.
Add Crunch:
If using, sprinkle the chopped roasted peanuts or cashews over the top of the salad for an added crunch. These nuts not only provide texture but also enhance the overall flavor of the dish.
Garnish:
For an extra touch of freshness, add chopped cilantro and sesame seeds over the salad before serving. These garnishes will elevate the dish and add a burst of flavor.
Serve:
Divide the salad into individual bowls or plates and serve immediately. This salad can be enjoyed on its own or with a side of whole-grain rice or quinoa for a more filling meal.
Storage:
If you have leftovers, store the salad and dressing separately in airtight containers. The salad can be kept in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. If possible, add the dressing just before serving to keep the greens crisp.
Nutritional Information (per serving, serves about 4)
Calories: 280
Total Fat: 12g
Saturated Fat: 2g
Cholesterol: 65mg
Sodium: 550mg
Total Carbohydrates: 20g
Dietary Fiber: 5g
Sugars: 5g
Protein: 24g
Weight Watchers SmartPoints
Freestyle SmartPoints: 6 points per serving
PointsPlus: 7 points per serving
Useful Tips
Meal Prep: This salad is perfect for meal prepping. You can cook the chicken and chop the vegetables ahead of time. Keep the salad and dressing separate until you’re ready to eat to ensure freshness.
Protein Variations: Feel free to substitute the chicken with grilled shrimp, tofu, or even canned chickpeas for a vegetarian option. Each of these alternatives will provide a different but equally delicious flavor profile.
Customize Your Salad: Add or substitute vegetables based on your preference or what you have on hand. Bell peppers, carrots, or snap peas work wonderfully in this salad.
Low-Sodium Options: For those watching their sodium intake, look for low-sodium soy sauce and ensure that any canned or packaged ingredients are labeled as such.
Final Thoughts
The Asian Chicken Crunch Salad is a vibrant and satisfying meal that brings together the best of fresh ingredients and bold flavors. This recipe is not only easy to prepare but also adaptable, allowing you to customize it to your taste preferences. With its low SmartPoints value, this salad is a great option for anyone on a Weight Watchers plan, making it a guilt-free choice that you can enjoy any day of the week.
Try this recipe today and experience the delicious combination of textures and flavors that make this salad a true standout in your healthy eating repertoire!