This rainbow detox salad with Asian chicken skewers is bursting with colour, flavour and nutrients. The perfect refreshing meal for the warmer weather! {Gluten-free & paleo}
This summer I’m LOVING refreshing and colourful salads. It’s been an exceptionally hot summer where we live and the last thing I’ve felt like doing is using the stove and oven.
Jump in a pool maybe, but not stick my head in a smokin’ hot oven.
I also find that when the temperature goes up, I just want refreshing and hydrating foods…but that doesn’t mean chowing down on a piece of lettuce. I’m lookin for vibrant hearty salads that are still super filling.
Between running after my 7-month-old (constantly), nursing every 3 hours (which actually feels like every 3 minutes) and my weekly workouts, this mama has got to EAT.
I’m talkin’ HUNGRY with a capital “H.”
Lately, I can’t get enough of this rainbow detox salad with Asian chicken skewers.
It has to be one of the most beautiful salads I have ever set my eyes on! When paired with the chicken skewers, it’s filling enough for a complete meal.
I know because I’ve eaten it at least five times over the last two weeks.
It’s SO addictive.
It’s also really handy because although initially there’s a lot of chopping involved, once it’s prepared, you can store the salad in the fridge for several days and it just keeps getting better and better as it marinates in that delicious dressing with an Asian kick.
Looking for a healthy and easy lunch or dinner? This salad will be your new best friend.
You can basically pop it out of the fridge and eat it for days. And believe me, you’ll want to!
And can we talk about those colours for a minute?
THIS is the definition of eating the rainbow.
If you can strive to do one thing in a day when it comes to healthy living, it would be to eat the rainbow.
And no, I’m not talking about piling a bunch of skittles into your mouth…that doesn’t count ;)
Table of Contents
What are the benefits of eating the rainbow?
Every colour of the rainbow provides different phytochemicals (which are naturally occurring compounds found in plant-based foods that can help protect against diabetes, heart disease and cancer. The more variety and colour you incorporate, the more nutrients you’ll be getting! Let’s break it down…
- Red: Provides anthocyanins and lycopene, which are especially beneficial for a healthy heart and memory.
- Orange & Yellow: Source of carotenoids and bioflavonoids, which can help to promote a healthy immune system, enhanced vision and a healthy heart. They are also commonly a source of vitamin C which can assist in wound healing and resistance against infection.
- Green: Source of lutein and insoles, which are phytochemicals that can help decrease risk of cancer, assist with bone health and promote healthy vision. They’re also a source of vitamins, E, K and folic acid.
- Blue & Purple: Contains the phytochemical anthocyanins and phenolics, which can help improve memory function, promote healthy aging and urinary tract health.
The best way to obtain all of these nutrients, is to pile in those colourful vegetables and fruit.
Aim for at least 4 servings of vegetables and 2-3 servings of fruit per day and you’re well on your way!
Beyond all of those vitamins and minerals, the other benefit of fruits and vegetables are that they provide fibre. The fibre found in produce equates to staying full for longer for not a whole lot of calories.
Pair this fibre with some lean protein, like these Asian chicken skewers and you’re golden!
The perfect healthy balanced meal to rock that mom bod!
Do I need a cleanse or detox?
Now you might be confused by the term “detox.” Believe me, most people are. They think they need to buy some magic pill or expensive potion to clean out their body.
This is totally false.
The good news is, however, that when you load up on healthy foods like vegetables and fruit, lean proteins and whole grains, drink plenty of water and engage in regular sweat sessions, the body naturally detoxes itself. That’s what those special organs known as our kidneys and liver are for.
No expensive detoxes or cleanses required.
Just stick to eating colourful salads like this rainbow detox salad and say hello to your newly “cleansed” body.
Pretty simple, right?
That’s what I’m all about. Just simple solutions to look and feel your best!
More similar recipes
- Healthy Orange Chicken
- Peanut Chicken Recipe {Slow Cooker}
- Asian Quinoa Salad
- Asian Beef Meatballs with Thai Coconut Sauce
- Thai Shrimp Curry Soup
- Spicy Chicken Peanut Wraps
- Korean Ground Beef
Did you make this recipe? Scroll down to leave a rating and review!
Rainbow Detox Salad with Asian Chicken Skewers
Ingredients
For the chili lime dressing
- 4 tbsp lime juice
- 4 tbsp rice vinegar
- 2 tsp roasted sesame oil
- 2-3 tbsp honey
- 2 tsp freshly grated ginger
- 2 tsp sriracha hot sauce
- 1 tbsp reduced sodium soy sauce
- 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes optional
For the rainbow salad:
- 4 four oz. chicken breasts sliced in 1/4 inch thick strips
- 2 cups julienned red cabbage
- 2 cups julienned Napa cabbage
- 1 cup thinly sliced baby bok choy
- 1/2 cup thinly sliced sugar snap peas
- 1 mango peeled, pitted and thinly sliced
- 1 carrot cut in ribbons (using a peeler)
- 1 red pepper julienned
- 2 green onions thinly sliced
- 1/4 cup each fresh cilantro and basil finely chopped
- 1/3 cup chopped roasted unsalted peanuts
Instructions
- To make the chili lime dressing, whisk together the lime juice, vinegar, oil, honey, ginger, sriracha, soy sauce and red pepper flakes.
- To make the salad, toss chicken with 5 tbsp of the reserved dressing. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes. Thread onto metal or soaked bamboo skewers.
- Place on greased grill, turning occasionally, until chicken is no longer pink inside, about 5 to 7 minutes.
- Meanwhile, in a large bowl, toss together the remaining salad ingredients, except for the peanuts. Drizzle salad with the remaining dressing and toss until well combined.
- Arrange on a large platter with chicken skewers and sprinkle with peanuts.
- Serve immediately or store in the fridge for up to several days.
Nutrition
Adapted from Canadian Living Magazine
This post may contain affiliate links which means that I may make a small commission at no extra cost to you. I only promote products that I love and feel will benefit my readers :)
Leave A Review: