Edamame Crunch Chicken Salad (Printable)

Protein-packed Asian-inspired salad with shredded chicken, edamame, and crisp vegetables in zesty ginger dressing.

# What You'll Need:

→ Protein

01 - 2 cups cooked, shredded chicken breast (about 2 small breasts)

→ Vegetables

02 - 1 cup shelled edamame (cooked and cooled)
03 - 2 cups shredded green cabbage
04 - 1 cup shredded red cabbage
05 - 1 cup shredded carrots
06 - 2 green onions, thinly sliced
07 - 1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced

→ Crunch & Garnish

08 - 1/2 cup roasted cashews or sliced almonds (optional)
09 - 2 tablespoons toasted sesame seeds

→ Ginger Dressing

10 - 1/4 cup rice vinegar
11 - 2 tablespoons soy sauce (use tamari for gluten-free)
12 - 2 tablespoons honey or maple syrup
13 - 2 tablespoons toasted sesame oil
14 - 1 tablespoon freshly grated ginger
15 - 1 garlic clove, minced
16 - 1 tablespoon lime juice
17 - 1 teaspoon sriracha or chili sauce (optional)
18 - Salt and pepper, to taste

# Step-by-Step:

01 - 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 to let flavors meld.
02 - In a large salad bowl, combine shredded chicken, edamame, green and red cabbage, carrots, green onions, and red bell pepper. Mix gently to distribute evenly.
03 - Pour the ginger dressing over the salad mixture. Toss thoroughly to coat all ingredients evenly with the dressing.
04 - Sprinkle roasted cashews or almonds and toasted sesame seeds over the top of the dressed salad.
05 - Serve immediately for maximum crunch, or chill for 15 minutes to allow flavors to meld together for a more developed taste.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • The ginger dressing hits that perfect balance between bright and comforting, making you feel like you ordered from the best Asian fusion spot in town
  • Everything stays satisfyingly crisp for days, so your actual lunch tomorrow tastes just as thoughtful as today did
02 -
  • The cashews will lose their crunch if they sit in dressing too long, so add them right before eating
  • This salad actually tastes better after sitting for an hour, so do not be afraid to make it ahead
03 -
  • Use a mandoline for the cabbage and peppers to get those restaurant thin shreds
  • Double the dressing and keep it in a jar for quick salads all week
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