This refreshing Asian Chicken Cranberry Salad mixes juicy chicken with crunchy veggies and sweet cranberries. It’s colorful, healthy, and perfect for a light meal!
Honestly, who knew salads could be this fun? I love how the cranberries add a pop of sweetness that surprises everyone at lunch. You’ll want to make this again and again!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Cooked Chicken Breast: You can use rotisserie chicken for convenience. If you’re vegetarian, try using tofu or chickpeas as a protein option.
Shredded Green Cabbage: Green cabbage gives crunch and structure. Purple cabbage or kale can be good substitutes if you want a twist.
Cranberries: Dried cranberries add sweetness and a chewy texture. If you’re looking for less sugar, try using raisins or chopped dried cherries instead.
Mandarin Oranges: Fresh mandarins are great, but canned ones work too! Just make sure they’re packed in juice, not syrup. Or use pineapple for a different flavor.
Almonds and Cashews: These nuts add crunch and flavor. Feel free to use sunflower seeds or pumpkin seeds if you need a nut-free option.
How Do I Create a Perfectly Balanced Dressing?
The dressing is key for bringing all the salad ingredients together. Start with a base of rice vinegar for tanginess and sesame oil for rich flavor. Here’s how to get it right:
- In a small bowl, whisk together the rice vinegar and sesame oil first to combine their flavors.
- Add in the soy sauce for saltiness, and honey (or maple syrup) for sweetness. Adjust based on your taste preference.
- Add in the grated ginger and minced garlic to give the dressing freshness.
- Finish with a little black pepper for a hint of spice, then taste and adjust if needed.
This balanced dressing ties the salad together beautifully, so take a moment to make it just right!
Easy Asian Chicken Cranberry Salad
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Salad:
- 3 cups cooked chicken breast, shredded
- 4 cups shredded green cabbage
- 1 cup shredded carrots
- 1/2 cup mandarin orange segments (canned or fresh)
- 1/2 cup dried cranberries
- 1/3 cup sliced almonds
- 1/4 cup cashews
- 1/4 cup chopped red onion
- 2 tbsp fresh cilantro, chopped
- 1 tbsp poppy seeds
For the Dressing:
- 1/4 cup rice vinegar
- 2 tbsp sesame oil
- 2 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp honey or maple syrup
- 1 tsp grated fresh ginger
- 1 garlic clove, minced
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious salad only takes about 15 minutes to prepare. If you choose to chill it before serving, set aside an extra 30 minutes to 1 hour for the flavors to meld together. In total, you’re looking at about 45-75 minutes to enjoy this wonderful meal!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Salad Base:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the shredded green cabbage, shredded carrots, chopped red onion, and fresh cilantro. Toss everything gently with your hands or a spoon until evenly mixed—this will be the crunchy base of your salad!
2. Add the Chicken and Fruits:
Now, add the shredded chicken breast, mandarin orange segments, dried cranberries, sliced almonds, and cashews to the bowl. Gently toss all the ingredients together to ensure they are mixed well.
3. Make the Dressing:
In a small bowl, whisk together the rice vinegar, sesame oil, soy sauce, honey (or maple syrup), grated fresh ginger, minced garlic, and a pinch of freshly ground black pepper. Keep whisking until the dressing is well blended and smooth.
4. Combine Salad with Dressing:
Pour the delicious dressing over the salad mixture. Toss everything thoroughly until all the ingredients are evenly coated with the dressing—this is where the magic happens!
5. Add the Finishing Touch:
Sprinkle the poppy seeds over the top of the salad and gently fold them in. This adds a nice crunch and a bit of elegance to the dish.
6. Serve or Chill:
At this point, you can serve the salad immediately, or you can chill it in the fridge for 30 minutes to an hour to let the flavors meld together—a great option if you’re prepping for a meal later!
7. Enjoy!
This flavorful, crunchy, sweet, and tangy Asian Chicken Cranberry Salad makes for a perfect light lunch or a delightful side dish at dinner. Enjoy every bite!
FAQ for Easy Asian Chicken Cranberry Salad
Can I Use Leftover Chicken for This Salad?
Absolutely! Leftover rotisserie chicken or any cooked chicken works great in this salad. Just shred or chop it before adding it to the salad to save time!
Can I Make This Salad Vegan?
Yes, you can easily make this salad vegan! Substitute the chicken with chickpeas or baked tofu, and use maple syrup instead of honey for the dressing. Everything else remains the same!
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Keep in mind that the vegetables might get a little softer, but it’s still delicious!
Can I Add Other Vegetables to This Salad?
Definitely! Feel free to customize the salad with other veggies like bell peppers, cucumbers, or snap peas for added crunch and color. Just adjust the quantities to suit your taste!
