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
Scale
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.
