Are you tired of boring, bland salads that leave you unsatisfied? Get ready to tantalize your taste buds with our Purple Cabbage Chicken Salad – a colorful, crunchy, and absolutely irresistible dish that's about to become your new obsession! Packed with nutritious ingredients and bursting with flavor, this salad is not just a meal, it's a culinary experience that will make you fall in love with healthy eating all over again.
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 20 mins
Total Time: 35 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 2 cups purple cabbage, shredded
- 1 cup cooked chicken, shredded
- 1/2 cup carrots, grated
- 1/4 cup green onions, sliced
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Begin by preparing all your ingredients. Shred the purple cabbage finely and place it in a large mixing bowl. Make sure to remove any tough stems or core pieces.
- Next, take your cooked chicken and shred it into bite-sized pieces. If you haven't cooked the chicken yet, you can poach, grill, or bake it until fully cooked, then let it cool before shredding.
- Grate the carrots using a box grater or a food processor and add them to the bowl with the cabbage.
- Slice the green onions thinly, including both the white and green parts, and add them to the mixing bowl as well.
- In a separate small bowl, prepare the dressing by combining the mayonnaise and apple cider vinegar. Mix well until smooth and creamy.
- Pour the dressing over the cabbage, chicken, carrots, and green onions in the large bowl. Use a spatula or tongs to gently toss everything together until all the ingredients are well coated with the dressing.
- Season the salad with salt and pepper to taste. Start with a small amount and adjust according to your preference.
- Once everything is mixed, let the salad sit for about 10 minutes at room temperature. This allows the flavors to meld together.
- Before serving, give the salad another gentle toss. You can serve it immediately or refrigerate it for up to an hour to chill.
- This Purple Cabbage Chicken Salad can be enjoyed on its own, as a side dish, or even as a filling for wraps or sandwiches. Enjoy your meal!
Tips
- Choose Fresh Ingredients: The key to an amazing salad is using the freshest possible ingredients. Look for crisp purple cabbage with deep, rich color and vibrant green onions.
- Chicken Preparation Hack: For maximum flavor, season your chicken before cooking with a blend of herbs like thyme, rosemary, or your favorite spice mix.
- Dressing Customization: Feel free to experiment with the dressing. Try adding a touch of honey for sweetness or some Dijon mustard for extra tang.
- Make-Ahead Friendly: This salad actually tastes better after sitting for a few hours, making it perfect for meal prep or picnics.
- Storage Tip: If you're not serving immediately, keep the dressing separate and mix just before serving to maintain the salad's crispness.
- Protein Variations: Don't have chicken? This salad works great with leftover turkey, grilled tofu, or even canned tuna.
- Extra Crunch: For added texture, consider throwing in some toasted sunflower seeds or sliced almonds before serving.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 250kcal
Carbohydrates: 5g
Protein: 15g
Fat: 20g
Saturated Fat: 4g
Cholesterol: 45mg