Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Asian Chicken Cranberry Salad is a vibrant, refreshing dish that perfectly balances sweet, savory, and tangy flavors. Tender chicken, crisp vegetables, dried cranberries, and crunchy toppings come together with a light Asian-inspired dressing to create a salad that is both nourishing and satisfying. Unlike ordinary salads, this one offers layers of texture—from the juiciness of the chicken to the chewy cranberries and the crispness of shredded cabbage or greens.
It is an excellent choice for lunch, dinner, or even meal prep, as the ingredients hold up well and keep their crunch. The combination of protein, vegetables, and fruit makes it both filling and nutritious, while the dressing ties everything together with a hint of sesame and soy. If you are looking for a salad that feels hearty yet refreshing, Asian Chicken Cranberry Salad is sure to become a favorite in your recipe rotation.
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Asian Chicken Cranberry Salad – A Fresh and Flavorful Fusion
- Total Time: 15 mins
- Yield: 4 servings
- Diet: Low Fat
Description
A refreshing salad made with shredded chicken, crunchy cabbage, dried cranberries, almonds, and a tangy Asian-inspired dressing.
Ingredients
- 3 cups cooked chicken, shredded
- 4 cups shredded napa cabbage (or coleslaw mix)
- 1 cup shredded carrots
- 1/2 cup sliced green onions
- 1/2 cup dried cranberries
- 1/2 cup sliced almonds (toasted)
- 1/4 cup sesame seeds (optional)
- 1/3 cup soy sauce (low sodium preferred)
- 1/4 cup rice vinegar
- 2 tbsp honey (or sugar)
- 2 tbsp sesame oil
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1 tsp grated fresh ginger
Instructions
- In a large bowl, combine shredded chicken, cabbage, carrots, green onions, cranberries, almonds, and sesame seeds.
- In a small bowl or jar, whisk together soy sauce, rice vinegar, honey, sesame oil, olive oil, garlic, and ginger until well blended.
- Pour the dressing over the salad mixture and toss until evenly coated.
- Chill in the refrigerator for at least 20 minutes before serving for best flavor.
- Serve cold, garnished with extra almonds or sesame seeds if desired.
Notes
- Rotisserie chicken works perfectly for this recipe.
- For extra crunch, add crispy wonton strips on top before serving.
- Adjust sweetness by adding more or less honey to the dressing.
- Best enjoyed fresh, but leftovers can be stored in the fridge for up to 2 days.
- Prep Time: 15 mins
- Cook Time: 0 mins
- Category: Salad
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: Asian-Inspired
Ingredients
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
Cooked chicken – Shredded or cubed chicken breast adds lean protein and makes the salad filling enough for a main course.
Shredded cabbage – Provides crunch and freshness, serving as the base of the salad. You can use a mix of green and purple cabbage for color.
Carrots – Julienned or shredded carrots add sweetness and a vibrant pop of color.
Green onions – Offer a mild onion flavor that complements the salad without overpowering it.
Dried cranberries – Sweet and tangy, they add chewiness and a fruity contrast to the savory dressing.
Almonds or cashews – Toasted nuts bring crunch and nutty depth, balancing the salad’s flavors.
Sesame seeds – Add a subtle toasty flavor and enhance the Asian-inspired profile.
Soy sauce – Forms the base of the dressing, lending salty umami notes.
Rice vinegar – Provides tang and brightness to balance the richness of the chicken and nuts.
Sesame oil – Infuses the dressing with a nutty, aromatic finish.
Honey – Adds natural sweetness to the dressing, balancing acidity and saltiness.
Garlic and ginger – Freshly grated, they provide bold, aromatic undertones in the dressing.
Directions
Begin by preparing the dressing. In a small bowl or jar, whisk together soy sauce, rice vinegar, sesame oil, honey, garlic, and ginger until smooth. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Set aside.
In a large mixing bowl, combine shredded cabbage, carrots, green onions, dried cranberries, and toasted almonds or cashews. Toss gently to distribute the ingredients evenly.
Add the shredded chicken to the bowl. Drizzle the prepared dressing over the salad, starting with half and adding more as needed to lightly coat all ingredients. Toss until everything is well combined and evenly dressed.
Sprinkle with sesame seeds just before serving for a final touch of flavor and crunch.
Serve immediately as a main course or side dish. For meal prep, keep the dressing separate and toss with the salad just before serving to maintain crispness.
Servings and timing
This recipe serves 4 people as a main dish or 6 as a side. Preparation time is around 20 minutes, with no cooking required if the chicken is pre-cooked, making it a quick and easy option for busy days.
Storage/reheating
Store the salad without dressing in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Keep the dressing in a separate container and toss together just before serving to keep the vegetables crisp. This salad is best enjoyed cold and does not require reheating.
Variations and Customizations
Spicy kick – Add sliced chili peppers or a drizzle of sriracha to the dressing.
Noodle version – Toss with cooked rice noodles or soba noodles for a heartier meal.
Fruit swap – Replace cranberries with mandarin oranges, pineapple, or pomegranate seeds.
Nut-free option – Use sunflower seeds or pumpkin seeds for crunch instead of nuts.
Peanut twist – Replace sesame oil with peanut butter in the dressing for a creamy variation.
Herb upgrade – Add fresh cilantro, mint, or basil for extra brightness.
Grilled chicken version – Use grilled chicken for smoky depth instead of poached or roasted chicken.
FAQs
Can I use rotisserie chicken?
Yes, shredded rotisserie chicken is a quick and flavorful option.
Can I make the salad vegetarian?
Yes, substitute tofu or edamame for the chicken.
What type of cabbage works best?
A mix of green and purple cabbage adds both crunch and color.
Can I use fresh cranberries instead of dried?
Dried cranberries work best, but fresh cranberries can be used if lightly sweetened.
How long will the salad stay fresh?
Up to 3 days if stored without dressing; once dressed, it’s best eaten the same day.
Conclusion
Asian Chicken Cranberry Salad is a refreshing, flavorful, and versatile dish that brings together crisp vegetables, juicy chicken, and a tangy-sweet dressing. Packed with textures and balanced flavors, it makes a wholesome meal for busy weekdays, meal prep, or casual gatherings. Easy to customize and quick to prepare, this salad proves that healthy eating can also be delicious and satisfying.