There is something truly delightful about the Asian Chicken Cranberry Salad Recipe that makes it an absolute favorite for both weeknight dinners and special gatherings. This salad boasts a wonderful mix of tender chicken, crunchy vegetables, and sweet dried cranberries all brought together with a flavorful, tangy dressing that sings with sesame and ginger notes. It’s fresh, colorful, and packed with textures and tastes that will keep you coming back for more. Whether you want something light yet satisfying or a dish that feels both nourishing and exciting, this salad fits the bill perfectly.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this Asian Chicken Cranberry Salad Recipe lies in its simple yet essential ingredients. Each one plays a special role, from the crisp crunch of cabbage and carrots to the sweet burst of cranberries and the savory depth of the chicken, all harmonized by a bright and flavorful dressing.
- Cooked chicken (3 cups): Use shredded or chopped chicken to add a hearty protein base that soaks up all the vibrant flavors.
- Shredded cabbage or coleslaw mix (4 cups): This adds a refreshing crunch and a fresh green base to the salad.
- Matchstick carrots (1 cup): Their sweetness and color brighten the salad and create a lovely texture contrast.
- Sliced green onions (½ cup): They lend a mild onion flavor that punches up the freshness.
- Dried cranberries (½ cup): These give sweet pops of flavor that perfectly complement the savory ingredients.
- Sliced almonds (½ cup, toasted): Toasting these enhances their nuttiness and adds an irresistible crunch.
- Crispy wonton strips or chow mein noodles (½ cup): Add these just before serving for a delightful crisp texture.
- Sesame seeds (¼ cup, optional): Sprinkle on top for a toasty finish and visual appeal.
- Dressing ingredients: Rice vinegar (¼ cup), soy sauce (2 tablespoons), sesame oil (1 tablespoon), honey (2 tablespoons), vegetable oil (¼ cup), fresh grated ginger (1 teaspoon), minced garlic (1 clove), salt and pepper to taste — the dressing is the flavor powerhouse tying everything together.
How to Make Asian Chicken Cranberry Salad Recipe
Step 1: Combine the Salad Ingredients
Start by tossing together the cooked chicken, shredded cabbage, matchstick carrots, sliced green onions, dried cranberries, and toasted sliced almonds in a large mixing bowl. This blend of textures and flavors forms the heart of the salad and sets the stage for the delicious dressing to work its magic.
Step 2: Whisk the Dressing
In a smaller bowl or jar, whisk together the rice vinegar, soy sauce, sesame oil, honey, vegetable oil, freshly grated ginger, minced garlic, and a pinch of salt and pepper. This dressing is the perfect balance of tangy, sweet, and savory, creating a flavor explosion that ties every salad component together effortlessly.
Step 3: Toss the Salad
Pour the dressing over your salad mixture and gently toss everything until well coated. Make sure each bite will have that perfect hit of dressing to enhance all the ingredients without overwhelming the fresh crunch.
Step 4: Add the Crunchy Toppings
Just before serving, sprinkle the crispy wonton strips or chow mein noodles on top for a satisfying crunch. If you like, finish with a sprinkle of sesame seeds to add a nutty aroma and a lovely visual contrast that makes the salad even more inviting.
How to Serve Asian Chicken Cranberry Salad Recipe
Garnishes
For an extra touch, fresh cilantro or chopped mint leaves can be sprinkled on top to brighten the flavors even more. A few thin slices of fresh red chili will bring a gentle kick for those who like a little heat. These garnishes make each serving look as gorgeous as it tastes.
Side Dishes
This salad stands well on its own but pairs beautifully with simple sides such as steamed jasmine rice, garlic noodles, or a bowl of miso soup to create a well-rounded Asian-inspired meal. The lightness of the salad balances heartier dishes perfectly.
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving this salad in crisp lettuce cups for a fun finger-food experience or pack it into a vibrant bento box for a lunch that’s both beautiful and satisfying. Layering it in a clear glass bowl also shows off the colorful ingredients and invites everyone to dig in.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep any leftover salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two days. To keep things crisp, store the crispy wonton strips or chow mein noodles separately and add them just before serving again.
Freezing
This salad is best enjoyed fresh, so freezing is not recommended as the fresh vegetables and crunchy toppings will lose their pleasant textures and freshness upon thawing.
Reheating
Since this is a cold salad, reheating is not necessary. If you prefer, the chicken can be warmed separately and then mixed in with the cooler salad ingredients for a slight variation in temperature.
FAQs
Can I use rotisserie chicken for this salad?
Absolutely! Using rotisserie chicken is a fantastic shortcut that saves time and adds great flavor, making this salad even easier to prepare.
Is there a vegetarian version of this salad?
Yes, you can swap the chicken for baked tofu or cooked edamame to create a satisfying vegetarian option that keeps all the delicious flavors intact.
Can I make the salad ahead of time?
You can prepare the salad a few hours in advance, but for best results, add the crispy toppings just before serving to ensure they stay crunchy and fresh.
How do I store the salad dressing if I make it ahead?
Store the dressing separately in a sealed container in the fridge for up to a week. Shake or whisk well before using to bring the flavors back together.
Can I substitute any ingredients in this recipe?
Feel free to customize based on what you have! Swap almonds for cashews or use kale instead of cabbage. Just keep the balance of textures and flavors in mind to maintain the salad’s signature punch.
Final Thoughts
This Asian Chicken Cranberry Salad Recipe is a true gem you’ll want to make again and again. It’s fresh, full of flavor, and wonderfully easy to put together, making it an ideal choice whether you’re hosting friends or just craving something bright and satisfying. Give it a try, and I promise it will become one of your go-to recipes for a delicious and colorful meal that never disappoints.
Print
Asian Chicken Cranberry Salad Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Salad
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: Asian-Inspired
Description
This Asian Chicken Cranberry Salad is a vibrant and refreshing dish combining tender cooked chicken, crisp cabbage, sweet dried cranberries, and toasted almonds, all tossed in a flavorful sesame-ginger dressing. Perfect for a light lunch or a festive holiday meal, this salad offers a delightful mix of textures and flavors with a satisfying crunch from wonton strips or chow mein noodles.
Ingredients
Salad
- 3 cups cooked chicken (shredded or chopped)
- 4 cups shredded cabbage or coleslaw mix
- 1 cup matchstick carrots
- ½ cup sliced green onions
- ½ cup dried cranberries
- ½ cup sliced almonds (toasted)
- ½ cup crispy wonton strips or chow mein noodles
- ¼ cup sesame seeds (optional)
Dressing
- ¼ cup rice vinegar
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 2 tablespoons honey
- ¼ cup vegetable oil
- 1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger
- 1 clove garlic (minced)
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Combine Salad Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, add the cooked chicken, shredded cabbage, matchstick carrots, sliced green onions, dried cranberries, and toasted almonds. Gently toss these ingredients to mix them evenly.
- Prepare the Dressing: In a small bowl or jar, whisk together the rice vinegar, soy sauce, sesame oil, honey, vegetable oil, grated fresh ginger, minced garlic, salt, and pepper until the dressing is fully combined and smooth.
- Toss Salad with Dressing: Pour the prepared dressing over the salad ingredients in the large bowl. Toss thoroughly to coat all the components with the flavorful dressing evenly.
- Add Crunchy Toppings: Just before serving, sprinkle the crispy wonton strips or chow mein noodles over the salad to maintain their crunch.
- Garnish and Serve: If desired, sprinkle sesame seeds on top for added texture and flavor. Serve the salad chilled or at room temperature for best taste and freshness.
Notes
- You can use rotisserie chicken for convenience and ease.
- For a vegetarian alternative, swap the chicken with edamame or baked tofu.
- The salad can be made a few hours ahead; however, add the crunchy toppings just before serving to keep them crisp.
