Looking for a refreshing summer salad? Try Quick and Healthy Asian Chicken Salad with raisins.
This dish is a fresh, flavorful mix of shredded chicken, crisp greens, and a tangy dressing that comes together in no time.
It’s inspired by Asian cuisine, which often uses ingredients like sesame oil and ginger, both tied to better health and vitality, as seen in the long lives of many who enjoy these flavors regularly.
This salad delivers lean protein, vitamins, and antioxidants, making it a smart, satisfying choice for any meal.
| Nutrient | Amount |
| Calories | 350 kcal |
| Total Fat | 15 g |
| Saturated Fat | 2 g |
| Cholesterol | 50 mg |
| Sodium | 400 mg |
| Total Carbohydrates | 30 g |
| Dietary Fibre | 5 g |
| Sugars | 18 g |
| Proteins | 25 g |
Note: Values are estimates and may shift with ingredient brands or prep.
What You’ll Love About This Recipe
- Versatility & Convenience: This salad fits any occasion: lunch, a side, or a full meal with extra chicken. It’s great for meal prep too. Make it ahead, store it in the fridge, and the flavors deepen by day two.
- Flavorful: The sweet raisins and mandarin oranges play off the savory chicken and crunchy almonds. Add the sesame-ginger dressing, and you’ve got a mix that’s bold yet balanced.
- Nutrient-Dense: The greens pack fiber and vitamins A, C, and K, while chicken brings protein for muscle support. Raisins offer iron, and almonds add healthy fats.
- Quick & Easy to Make: With pre-cooked chicken, you’re done in under 20 minutes. It’s a lifesaver for busy nights when you need healthy food fast.
This Asian Chicken Raisin Salad is a go-to for me—fast, fresh, and full of good stuff. Give it a try and let me know how it fits into your week!
Other recipes you would like to try:
Broccoli Bacon Salad
Dill Pickle Bacon Ranch Pasta Salad
Sesame Chicken Cabbage Crunch Salad
Chickpea Pomegranate Apple Crunch Salad
Creamy Keto Deviled Egg Salad With Cottage Cheese
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Ingredients You Will Need
- Dry Ingredients:
Chicken Breast (Shredded)
Chicken breast is a lean cut, high in protein and low in fat, ideal for keeping energy steady. I shred pre-cooked chicken for this—boiled, baked, or rotisserie works. It soaks up the dressing nicely.Mixed Greens
This blend of kale, lettuce, iceberg lettuce, spinach, cabbage, and broccoli offers varied nutrients. Kale and spinach provide iron; broccoli adds vitamin C. It’s a crunchy, colorful base.Dried Raisins
Raisins bring natural sweetness and chewy texture. They’re high in iron for energy and potassium for heart health. A perfect counter to the savory notes here.Mandarin Oranges
Mandarin oranges add juicy citrus and vitamin C for immunity. Their sweetness offsets the dressing’s tang. Fresh segments keep it bright.Sliced Almonds
Almonds contribute healthy fats, protein, and vitamin E for skin health. Sliced thin, they give a nutty crunch. They’re a subtle boost to the texture.Green Onions
Green onions offer a mild bite and vitamins A and C. Chopped fine, they spread evenly. They add a fresh, sharp edge.Sesame Seeds
Sesame seeds are small but rich in calcium and healthy fats. They bring a nutty hint. Toast them for extra flavor if you like.Ginger
Ginger adds a warm, spicy kick and aids digestion. Freshly grated, it’s potent. It’s a health boost in the mix.- Wet Ingredients:
Sesame Oil
Sesame oil has a deep, nutty taste and antioxidants. It’s key to the dressing’s warmth. A little goes a long way.Soy Sauce
It delivers umami from fermented soybeans. It’s salty with a sweet undertone. Low-sodium works if you’re cutting salt.Rice Vinegar
This is gentle and slightly sweet, unlike sharper vinegars. It balances the dressing. It’s a quiet star here.Honey
It naturally sweetens and binds the dressing. It has antibacterial perks too. Just a touch keeps it smooth.
Directions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Season the chicken breasts lightly with salt and pepper, then bake for 20–25 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
- Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes, then shred it into bite-sized pieces using a fork or your hands. I often grab rotisserie chicken to save time. You’ll need 1 cup shredded.
- In a small bowl, I whisk 2 tablespoons sesame oil, 2 tablespoons soy sauce, 1 tablespoon rice vinegar, 1 tablespoon honey, 1 teaspoon grated ginger, and 1 clove minced garlic. You can tweak it to taste, then set it aside.
- Toast the sliced almonds in a dry skillet over medium heat for 2–3 minutes, stirring frequently, until golden brown. Toast the sesame seeds in the same skillet for 1–2 minutes until fragrant. Drain the mandarin oranges and thinly slice the green onions.
- In a separate big bowl, toss 4 cups mixed greens, 1 cup shredded chicken, 1/2 cup raisins, 1 cup mandarin oranges, 1/4 cup sliced almonds, 2 chopped green onions, and 1 tablespoon sesame seeds. You mix it up well.
- Pour the dressing over everything. I toss it gently so it coats evenly. You’ll see it come together nicely.
- Split it into bowls; this makes 4 servings. I serve it right away, but you can chill it for 30 minutes to let the flavors settle if you’ve got time.
Serving Suggestions / Variations
1. Pair with Noodles
Toss the Asian Chicken Raisin Salad with some chilled soba or rice noodles for a heartier dish. It’s a refreshing twist that adds texture and makes it a complete meal. I love how the noodles soak up the dressing—perfect for a summer dinner!
2. Serve in Avocado Halves
Scoop out some avocado and fill the halves with this salad for a creamy, nutritious combo. The richness of the avocado pairs so well with the sweet raisins and tangy dressing. It’s a fun, fancy-looking option that’s super easy to whip up.
3. Add Fresh Herbs
Mix in a handful of chopped cilantro or mint to brighten up the flavors. It adds a fresh, aromatic lift that makes every bite pop. I’m a huge fan of this tweak—it’s simple but feels like a whole new dish.
Expert Cooking Tips
Tip # 1 – Prep the Chicken Early
Cook and shred the chicken a day ahead, then store it in the fridge. It cuts down on prep time when you’re ready to assemble the salad. I do this all the time when I know I’ll be short on time later.
Tip # 2 – Use a Mason Jar
Layer the salad ingredients in a mason jar—greens on top, dressing at the bottom—for an easy grab-and-go lunch. Just shake it up when you’re ready to eat. It’s my go-to for busy workdays, and it stays fresh longer.
Balance the Sweetness
If the raisins make it too sweet for you, add a splash of rice vinegar or a pinch of salt to the dressing. It’s a quick fix that keeps the flavors in check. I tweak it like this depending on my mood!
FAQs
Can I use a different protein?
Absolutely, grilled shrimp or turkey work great in place of chicken. They keep the salad light and flavorful.
What if I don’t like almonds?
You can swap them for peanuts or cashews instead. Both add a nice crunch and pair well with the Asian flavors.
Can I make it dairy-free?
Yes, the recipe is already dairy-free as long as your dressing doesn’t include mayonnaise or yogurt. Stick with the soy-sesame base, and you’re good to go.
Quick And Healthy Asian Chicken Raisin Salad Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 cup shredded chicken breast
- 4 cups mixed greens kale, lettuce, iceberg lettuce, spinach, cabbage, and broccoli
- ½ cup dried raisins
- 1 cup mandarin oranges
- ¼ cup sliced almonds
- 2 green onions chopped
- 1 tablespoon sesame seeds
- 2 tablespoons sesame oil
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 1 teaspoon grated ginger
Instructions
- If starting with raw chicken, bring a pot of water to a boil or preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Cook the chicken breast for about 15 minutes (boiling) or 20 minutes (baking) until it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). Let it cool slightly, then shred it with two forks or your hands.
- Grab a small bowl and combine the sesame oil, soy sauce, rice vinegar, honey, grated ginger, and minced garlic. Stir vigorously until the mixture is smooth and fully blended.
- In a large mixing bowl, toss together the mixed greens, shredded chicken, dried raisins, mandarin oranges, toasted and sliced almonds, chopped green onions, and toasted sesame seeds. Mix gently to keep the ingredients intact.
- Drizzle the prepared dressing over the salad. Use tongs or a large spoon to toss everything together, ensuring every bite gets a touch of that flavorful Scoop the salad into four bowls for immediate enjoyment. For a cooler, more refreshing twist, pop it in the fridge for 30 minutes before serving.
