Description
Zesty Mediterranean-inspired Citrus Almond Chicken Crunch elevates weeknight dining with bold Mediterranean flavors. Crisp almond coating and tangy citrus notes create a delightful culinary experience you’ll crave again and again.
Ingredients
Scale
Proteins:
- 3 cups (12 ounces) cooked shredded chicken
- 1 cup fresh cilantro leaves
- ⅓ cup toasted slivered or sliced almonds
Vegetables and Fruits:
- 3 cups thinly sliced Napa or green cabbage
- 1 cup thinly sliced red cabbage
- 1 cup shredded carrots
- 1 cup thinly sliced sugar snap peas
- 3 green onions (thinly sliced white and green parts)
- 1 cup orange segments (mandarin oranges)
Dressing Ingredients:
- ¼ cup unseasoned rice vinegar
- 3 tablespoons toasted sesame oil
- 3 tablespoons coconut aminos
- 2 tablespoons avocado oil or extra-virgin olive oil
- ½ teaspoon ground ginger
- ¼ teaspoon garlic powder
Instructions
- Finely slice green and red cabbage into thin, uniform strips for a vibrant and textural base.
- Julienne carrots into delicate matchsticks to enhance the salad’s visual appeal and crunch.
- Trim sugar snap peas and slice diagonally to create elegant, bite-sized pieces.
- Chop green onions into thin rings, separating white and green sections for layered flavor.
- Shred or cube cooked chicken into bite-sized portions, ensuring even distribution throughout the salad.
- Craft a zesty dressing by whisking together citrus juices, sesame oil, rice vinegar, and honey until emulsified.
- Drizzle dressing over the prepared ingredients, tossing gently to coat each component thoroughly.
- Delicately fold in fresh orange segments, adding bursts of juicy brightness to the dish.
- Sprinkle chopped cilantro for a fresh, herbaceous note that complements the citrus flavors.
- Scatter toasted sliced almonds across the top for a satisfying nutty crunch.
- Optional: Dust with white sesame seeds for an extra layer of texture and visual interest just before serving.
Notes
- Choose crisp, fresh cabbage for the best crunch and texture in this vibrant salad.
- Toast almonds lightly before adding to enhance their nutty flavor and provide extra depth.
- Swap chicken with tofu or tempeh for a vegetarian version that maintains the protein content.
- Prepare dressing separately and store in the refrigerator up to 2 days ahead to save time during meal prep.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer, Snacks
- Method: Mixing
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 6
- Calories: 232 kcal
- Sugar: 6 g
- Sodium: 230 mg
- Fat: 14 g
- Saturated Fat: 2 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 11 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 19 g
- Cholesterol: 55 mg