Edamame Crunch Chicken Salad

This Edamame Crunch Chicken Salad is a vibrant, protein-packed meal featuring shredded chicken, crisp vegetables, and edamame tossed in a zesty ginger dressing. It is the perfect choice for a refreshing lunch or a light dinner that comes together in just 35 minutes.

Save to Pinterest

The combination of red and green cabbage with shredded carrots and red bell pepper creates a beautiful visual appeal, while the toasted sesame seeds and cashews provide a satisfying crunch in every bite. This Asian-inspired dish is both nutritious and flavorful.

Ingredients

• 2 cups cooked, shredded chicken breast (about 2 small breasts)
• 1 cup shelled edamame (cooked and cooled)
• 2 cups shredded green cabbage
• 1 cup shredded red cabbage
• 1 cup shredded carrots
• 2 green onions, thinly sliced
• 1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced
• 1/2 cup roasted cashews or sliced almonds (optional)
• 2 tablespoons toasted sesame seeds
• 1/4 cup rice vinegar
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce (use tamari for gluten-free)
• 2 tablespoons honey or maple syrup
• 2 tablespoons toasted sesame oil
• 1 tablespoon freshly grated ginger
• 1 garlic clove, minced
• 1 tablespoon lime juice
• 1 teaspoon sriracha or chili sauce (optional)
• Salt and pepper, to taste

Instructions

1. Prepare the dressing

In a small bowl, whisk together rice vinegar, soy sauce, honey, sesame oil, ginger, garlic, lime juice, and sriracha (if using). Season to taste with salt and pepper. Set aside.

2. Combine salad ingredients

In a large salad bowl, combine shredded chicken, edamame, green and red cabbage, carrots, green onions, and red bell pepper.

3. Dress the salad

Pour the ginger dressing over the salad and toss thoroughly to coat all ingredients evenly.

4. Garnish

Sprinkle with roasted cashews or almonds and toasted sesame seeds.

5. Serve or chill

Serve immediately, or chill for 15 minutes to let flavors meld.

Zusatztipps für die Zubereitung

To prepare this recipe, you will need a large salad bowl, a whisk, a small mixing bowl, a chef's knife, and a cutting board. For the most consistent texture, ensure your vegetables are thinly shredded and the edamame is fully cooled before assembly.

Varianten und Anpassungen

For a vegetarian version, omit the chicken and add extra edamame or baked tofu. You can swap green onions for chives for a milder flavor. For those with nut allergies, simply omit the cashews or almonds, and use tamari instead of soy sauce to keep the dish gluten-free.

Serviervorschläge

Add fresh cilantro or mint for an extra layer of freshness. This salad pairs exceptionally well with a crisp Sauvignon Blanc or a refreshing glass of iced green tea.

Save to Pinterest

This nutritious salad provides 335 calories and 27g of protein per serving. Always remember to check labels for allergens like soy, tree nuts, and sesame to ensure the meal meets your dietary needs.

Recipe FAQs

→ Can I prepare this salad ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare components separately. Store the dressing, shredded vegetables, and cooked chicken in separate containers for up to 2 days. Assemble just before serving to maintain crispness, or toss together and refrigerate for up to 4 hours to allow flavors to meld.

→ What's a good substitute for edamame?

Try chickpeas, mung beans, or white beans for similar protein content. Snap peas or green beans also work well for a fresh crunch, though they provide less protein. Adjust seasoning as needed to complement your chosen ingredient.

→ How do I make this vegetarian?

Omit the chicken and double the edamame, or add baked tofu, tempeh, or cooked chickpeas for protein. Consider adding nuts or seeds to increase protein content. The dressing and all vegetables remain the same.

→ Is this salad gluten-free?

Most ingredients are naturally gluten-free, but standard soy sauce contains wheat. Substitute tamari, which is wheat-free soy sauce, to keep the dish gluten-free. Always verify product labels for hidden gluten.

→ What dressing alternatives work with this salad?

Try a sesame-lime vinaigrette, peanut sauce, or miso-based dressing. A simple combination of sesame oil, rice vinegar, and sriracha also complements the Asian flavors perfectly. Adjust spice levels to your preference.

→ How do I toast sesame seeds?

Heat a dry skillet over medium heat and add sesame seeds, stirring constantly for 2-3 minutes until fragrant and lightly golden. Watch carefully to prevent burning. Cool before adding to the salad for maximum flavor.