Asian Chicken Cranberry Salad is a delightful combination of sweet, savory, and tangy flavors that’s both refreshing and satisfying. Packed with crisp vegetables, tender chicken, and a burst of dried cranberries, this salad is drizzled with an irresistible Asian-inspired dressing that brings everything together beautifully.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Flavorful Fusion: The unique blend of sweet cranberries, savory chicken, and tangy dressing offers a perfect balance.
- Nutritious and Light: Loaded with fresh vegetables and lean protein, this salad is a wholesome choice.
- Quick and Easy: Ready in under 30 minutes, making it ideal for busy weeknights or meal prep.
- Versatile: Customize the ingredients to suit your taste or dietary preferences.
- Perfect for Any Occasion: Great as a light lunch, hearty dinner, or crowd-pleasing potluck dish.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- Cooked chicken breast, shredded or diced
- Mixed greens (e.g., spinach, romaine, or arugula)
- Red cabbage, thinly sliced
- Carrots, julienned or shredded
- Green onions, sliced
- Dried cranberries
- Slivered almonds or chopped cashews
- Sesame seeds (optional)
For the Dressing:
- Soy sauce
- Rice vinegar
- Sesame oil
- Honey or maple syrup
- Garlic, minced
- Ginger, freshly grated
- Lime juice
- Salt and pepper to taste
Directions
- In a large mixing bowl, combine mixed greens, red cabbage, carrots, green onions, and dried cranberries.
- Add the cooked chicken, almonds, and sesame seeds (if using) to the salad. Toss gently to combine.
- Prepare the dressing by whisking together soy sauce, rice vinegar, sesame oil, honey, garlic, ginger, and lime juice in a small bowl. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper to taste.
- Drizzle the dressing over the salad and toss until everything is evenly coated.
- Serve immediately, garnished with additional almonds or sesame seeds if desired.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 4 servings
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: None (if using pre-cooked chicken)
- Total Time: 15 minutes
Variations
- Vegetarian: Swap the chicken for tofu, edamame, or chickpeas for a plant-based option.
- Low-Carb: Skip the cranberries or use unsweetened dried fruit alternatives to lower the carb content.
- Spicy: Add sliced red chili peppers or a drizzle of sriracha for some heat.
- Fruit Boost: Include mandarin oranges or sliced mango for an extra fruity touch.
- Nut-Free: Use sunflower seeds or pumpkin seeds instead of almonds or cashews.
Storage/Reheating
- Storage: Store the salad (without dressing) in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Keep the dressing separate and add just before serving.
- Reheating: This salad is best enjoyed cold or at room temperature, so no reheating is needed.
FAQs
1. Can I use rotisserie chicken for this salad?
Yes, rotisserie chicken works perfectly and saves time.
2. Can I make the dressing ahead of time?
Absolutely! The dressing can be made up to 5 days in advance and stored in the refrigerator.
3. What’s the best way to shred cabbage for this salad?
Use a mandoline slicer, food processor, or a sharp knife for thin, even slices.
4. Can I add noodles to this salad?
Yes, adding cooked rice noodles or soba noodles makes this salad more filling.
5. Are dried cranberries necessary?
No, you can substitute them with raisins, chopped dates, or omit them entirely.
6. How can I make this gluten-free?
Use tamari or a gluten-free soy sauce for the dressing.
7. Can I use fresh cranberries?
Fresh cranberries are much tarter than dried ones, but you can use them if you prefer a tangy bite.
8. Can I make this salad in advance?
Yes, assemble the salad without dressing and store it covered. Add the dressing just before serving.
9. Can I substitute sesame oil in the dressing?
You can use olive oil or avocado oil, though the sesame oil adds an authentic Asian flavor.
10. What sides pair well with this salad?
Steamed dumplings, spring rolls, or miso soup make excellent accompaniments.
Conclusion
Asian Chicken Cranberry Salad is a vibrant and flavorful dish that’s as versatile as it is delicious. Whether you’re looking for a light meal, a dish to impress at a gathering, or a nutritious option to add to your weekly menu, this salad is sure to become a favorite. Its unique combination of textures and tastes will keep you coming back for more.
PrintAsian Chicken Cranberry Salad
A refreshing salad featuring finely chopped rotisserie chicken, crisp coleslaw mix, toasted almonds, dried cranberries, and a zesty homemade dressing. Ideal for a quick meal or as a dish to share at gatherings.
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 10 servings 1x
- Category: Salad
- Method: Tossing
- Cuisine: Asian-Inspired
Ingredients
For the Salad:
- 12 cups coleslaw mix (from 2 small bags)
- 4 cups rotisserie chicken, finely chopped
- 1½ cups toasted sliced almonds or cashews
- 1½ cups dried cranberries
- ¾ cup red onion, finely diced
- 1 cup sesame sticks (optional)
- 1½ cups chopped fresh cilantro
- 1–2 small cans mandarin oranges, drained (optional)
- ¼ cup black or regular sesame seeds
For the Dressing:
- 1 cup extra-virgin olive oil
- ½ cup balsamic vinegar (regular or white)
- 4 tablespoons low-sodium soy sauce
- 3–4 cloves garlic, chopped
- 4 tablespoons honey or brown sugar
- 4 tablespoons minced ginger
- 2 teaspoons toasted sesame oil
Instructions
- Assemble the Salad:
- In a large bowl, layer the coleslaw mix, chopped chicken, toasted almonds or cashews, dried cranberries, diced red onion, sesame sticks (if using), chopped cilantro, and mandarin oranges (if using). Sprinkle with sesame seeds.
- Prepare the Dressing:
- In a blender, combine the extra-virgin olive oil, balsamic vinegar, soy sauce, chopped garlic, honey or brown sugar, minced ginger, and toasted sesame oil. Add 3 tablespoons of water and blend until smooth.
- Dress the Salad:
- Drizzle the prepared dressing over the salad mixture. Toss gently to ensure all ingredients are evenly coated. Serve immediately.
Notes
- Variations: For a vegetarian option, substitute the chicken with tofu or tempeh. You can also add other fresh vegetables like bell peppers or cucumbers for extra crunch.
- Storage: If not serving immediately, store the salad and dressing separately to prevent sogginess. Combine just before serving.
- Nuts: Feel free to substitute almonds with cashews or a mix of both, depending on your preference.