Asian Chicken Cranberry Salad

This Asian Chicken Cranberry Salad is a perfect harmony of flavors and textures—juicy chicken, crunchy veggies, and sweet-tart cranberries, all drizzled with a tangy, sesame-based dressing. It’s fresh, vibrant, and just the right balance of savory and sweet. Whether you’re preparing a light lunch, a quick dinner, or a crowd-pleasing dish for your next gathering, this salad has got you covered. Trust me, you’re going to love how the crunchy almonds and refreshing veggies mix with the savory-sweet dressing in each bite!

Why You’ll Love Asian Chicken Cranberry Salad

There’s a lot to love about this salad—it’s easy, refreshing, and bursting with flavor. Here’s why it’s a fan favorite:

• Versatile: Perfect for lunch or dinner, and easily customizable. You can add or swap ingredients to suit your tastes or dietary needs.
• Healthy & Filling: Packed with protein from the chicken, antioxidants from cranberries, and plenty of crunch from fresh veggies.
• Quick & Easy: Simple to make, especially if you have leftover chicken on hand. Ready in just 20 minutes!
• Flavorful: The tangy dressing pulls all the ingredients together, with a delicious balance of sweetness, acidity, and savory goodness.
• Perfect for Meal Prep: You can prep the ingredients in advance and assemble the salad when you’re ready to eat, making it a great option for busy days.

Ingredients in Asian Chicken Cranberry Salad

Here’s what you’ll need to make this vibrant and delicious salad:

For the Salad

• Cooked chicken breast: Grilled, roasted, or rotisserie chicken works perfectly.
• Mixed greens: A combo of spinach, arugula, or baby kale adds freshness.
• Shredded cabbage: Provides a crunchy texture and subtle peppery flavor.
• Carrots: Thinly sliced or julienned for a pop of color and crunch.
• Cucumber: Sliced cucumber adds a refreshing, cool element.
• Dried cranberries: For a burst of sweetness that complements the savory flavors.
• Almonds: Sliced or slivered for an extra crunch.

For the Dressing

• Soy sauce: The salty base of the dressing.
• Rice vinegar: Adds a tangy punch.
• Honey: For a bit of sweetness to balance the acidity.
• Sesame oil: Gives the dressing a nutty flavor.
• Fresh ginger: Adds a subtle warmth and spice.
• Garlic: Minced garlic brings depth to the dressing.
• Sesame seeds: Optional, for a final touch of crunch and flavor.

(Note: The full ingredient list with measurements is provided in the recipe card below.)

Instructions

Prepare the Chicken

1. Cook the Chicken: If using raw chicken, season with salt and pepper, and cook in a skillet over medium heat for 6-7 minutes per side, or until the chicken is fully cooked. Alternatively, use rotisserie chicken for a quicker option.
2. Shred the Chicken: Let the chicken rest for a few minutes, then shred it into bite-sized pieces or chop it into small chunks.

Make the Dressing

1. Combine the Dressing Ingredients: In a small bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, rice vinegar, honey, sesame oil, fresh ginger, and minced garlic.
2. Taste and Adjust: Give it a taste and adjust the sweetness or acidity as needed. If you want more tang, add a little extra rice vinegar; if you prefer it sweeter, add more honey.

Assemble the Salad

1. Toss the Salad Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the mixed greens, shredded cabbage, carrots, cucumber, dried cranberries, and almonds.
2. Add the Chicken: Add the shredded chicken on top of the salad.
3. Dress the Salad: Pour the dressing over the salad just before serving. Toss everything together gently to coat the ingredients with the dressing.

Serve and Enjoy

Serve immediately and enjoy the balance of flavors and textures in this refreshing Asian Chicken Cranberry Salad!

Nutrition Facts

Servings: 4
Calories per serving: 350
Total Fat: 18g
Saturated Fat: 2g
Cholesterol: 75mg
Sodium: 950mg
Total Carbohydrates: 28g
Dietary Fiber: 4g
Sugars: 18g
Protein: 24g
Calcium: 120mg
Iron: 2mg
Potassium: 450mg

Preparation Time

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 20 minutes

How to Serve Asian Chicken Cranberry Salad

Here are some ideas for what to serve alongside this tasty salad:

• Serve with Rice: A side of jasmine rice or brown rice makes it more filling.
• Pair with Soup: A light vegetable or miso soup would complement this salad perfectly.
• Add Grilled Shrimp or Tofu: For extra protein, top the salad with grilled shrimp or tofu.

Additional Tips

Use Fresh Chicken: While rotisserie chicken is a great shortcut, fresh, seasoned chicken breast will give the salad an even better flavor.
Add Avocado: For extra creaminess, add slices of avocado on top before serving.
Make It Vegan: Skip the chicken and add tofu or tempeh for a delicious vegetarian version.
Store Leftovers: The salad is best served fresh, but you can store leftovers (without dressing) in an airtight container for up to 2 days. Keep the dressing separate to prevent the salad from getting soggy.

FAQ Section

Q1: Can I make this salad ahead of time?
A1: Yes, you can prep the salad ingredients ahead of time and store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Just add the dressing right before serving to keep everything fresh.

Q2: Can I use fresh cranberries instead of dried?
A2: Fresh cranberries would be too tart for this recipe, but you could try them if you like a more sour kick. Just make sure to adjust the sweetness of the dressing.

Q3: How can I make the dressing spicier?
A3: To add some heat, try adding a pinch of red pepper flakes or a splash of sriracha to the dressing. It’ll give it a nice kick!

Q4: Can I use a different nut instead of almonds?
A4: Yes! You can substitute sliced almonds with cashews, walnuts, or even sunflower seeds if you prefer.

Q5: How do I make this salad gluten-free?
A5: To make this salad gluten-free, just ensure the soy sauce is gluten-free (you can use tamari sauce as an alternative).

Q6: Can I add more vegetables to the salad?
A6: Of course! Feel free to add ingredients like bell peppers, radishes, or even avocado for extra color and texture.

Q7: How do I store the dressing?
A7: Store the dressing in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a week. Be sure to shake it well before using.

Q8: Can I add more fruit to the salad?
A8: Yes! Apples, pears, or even mandarin oranges would be wonderful additions, adding a juicy burst of flavor.

Q9: Is this salad suitable for meal prep?
A9: Yes! The salad ingredients (without dressing) can be prepped ahead of time and stored in the fridge for a few days. Just add the dressing right before serving for the best texture.

Q10: Can I use a different protein instead of chicken?
A10: Absolutely! You can use grilled tofu, shrimp, or even beef. The dressing and salad ingredients will complement any protein you choose.

Conclusion

This Asian Chicken Cranberry Salad is the perfect blend of flavors and textures, from the sweet cranberries to the savory chicken and crunchy veggies. It’s quick, easy, and full of vibrant, refreshing ingredients. Whether you’re enjoying it as a light meal or a side dish, it’s guaranteed to become a favorite in your kitchen!

Print