If you’re craving a vibrant, refreshing salad that perfectly balances savory and sweet flavors, look no further than this Asian Chicken Cranberry Salad Recipe. It’s a delightful medley of tender chicken, crisp cabbage, and tangy dried cranberries, all tossed together with a bright, zingy dressing that sings with ginger and sesame. Whether you’re packing lunch for work, hosting a casual get-together, or just want a no-fuss dish that feels special, this salad nails it every time with a satisfying crunch and a burst of flavor in every bite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering simple, fresh ingredients is key to making this Asian Chicken Cranberry Salad Recipe shine. Each item contributes something unique—whether it’s crunch, sweetness, or savory depth—so don’t skip on freshness here!
- 3 cups cooked chicken breast: Choose shredded or chopped for easy mixing and a hearty protein boost.
- 4 cups shredded green cabbage or coleslaw mix: Provides a crisp, refreshing base that adds volume and texture.
- 1 cup shredded carrots: Adds vibrant color and a natural sweetness that balances the tangy dressing.
- 1/2 cup sliced green onions: Offers a mild onion flavor that brightens each bite without overwhelming.
- 1/2 cup dried cranberries: The star ingredient for bursts of tart-sweet pop throughout the salad.
- 1/4 cup sliced almonds: Adds a nutty crunch and a bit of richness.
- 1/2 cup crunchy chow mein noodles: This topping brings a fun, crispy texture contrast just before serving.
- 1 tbsp sesame seeds (optional): A subtle nutty garnish that elevates the salad’s Asian flair.
For the Dressing:
- 1/4 cup rice vinegar: Provides a bright acidity to the dressing.
- 2 tbsp soy sauce: Deepens the flavor with umami richness.
- 2 tbsp honey: Adds natural sweetness that balances savory ingredients.
- 1 tbsp sesame oil: Infuses the salad with that unmistakable toasted sesame aroma.
- 1/4 cup vegetable oil: Helps mellow and bind all flavors together.
- 1 tsp grated fresh ginger: Brings a spicy warmth that wakes up the palate.
- 1 clove garlic, minced: Adds depth and a subtle pungency.
- Salt and pepper to taste: Essential for seasoning and balancing all elements.
How to Make Asian Chicken Cranberry Salad Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Dressing
Start by whisking together all the dressing ingredients—rice vinegar, soy sauce, honey, sesame oil, vegetable oil, fresh grated ginger, minced garlic, salt, and pepper—in a small bowl or jar. This mixture is your flavor powerhouse, combining tang, sweetness, and a little kick that marries perfectly with the salad’s fresh ingredients.
Step 2: Combine the Salad Ingredients
In a large bowl, toss the cooked chicken, shredded cabbage, shredded carrots, green onions, dried cranberries, and sliced almonds. This colorful combination not only delights the eyes but also balances crunch, softness, sweetness, and savory components in each bite.
Step 3: Add the Dressing and Toss
Pour the dressing over the combined salad ingredients and toss gently but thoroughly. Make sure every shred and slice gets coated so that every forkful bursts with that distinctive Asian-inspired tang and sweetness.
Step 4: Add Crunchy Toppings
Just before serving, sprinkle the salad with crunchy chow mein noodles and sesame seeds if you like. This final layer of crunch makes the salad irresistibly satisfying and adds a lovely texture contrast to the tender chicken and cabbage.
How to Serve Asian Chicken Cranberry Salad Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh herbs like cilantro or thinly sliced red chilies add pops of color and fresh flavor on top. A few extra toasted sesame seeds or even a wedge of lime on the side can brighten the dish even more, making it feel elevated yet approachable.
Side Dishes
This Asian Chicken Cranberry Salad Recipe pairs wonderfully with light sides like steamed jasmine rice or a simple miso soup. For a heartier meal, try serving it alongside vegetable spring rolls or grilled shrimp to keep the meal balanced and exciting.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve the salad in crisp lettuce cups for hand-held bites at parties. Alternatively, layering it in a glass jar creates a colorful lunchtime pick-me-up that’s as beautiful as it is tasty. Either way, presentation adds to the enjoyment of this delicious salad.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
You can store leftover Asian Chicken Cranberry Salad Recipe in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Keep the crunchy noodles separate and add them just before serving to maintain their crisp texture.
Freezing
This salad is best enjoyed fresh and does not freeze well because of its crisp vegetables and dressing. For longer storage, freeze leftover cooked chicken separately and prepare the salad fresh when ready.
Reheating
Since this is a cold, no-cook salad, reheating is not necessary. If you prefer a slightly warmer dish, serve the chicken warm but toss with the veggies and dressing fresh to keep the textures bright and lively.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of meat in this salad?
Absolutely! While chicken breast works wonderfully, shredded turkey or rotisserie chicken are excellent alternatives. Even tofu can be a great vegetarian swap with proper seasoning.
Is there a way to make this salad vegan?
Yes! Replace the chicken with crispy baked tofu or chickpeas, and swap honey for maple syrup or agave in the dressing to keep it vegan-friendly.
How long does the dressing stay fresh?
The dressing keeps well refrigerated for up to a week. Always give it a good shake or whisk before using, especially if the oils have separated.
Can I add other fruits or nuts to this salad?
Feel free to get creative! Mandarin oranges or diced apple work beautifully for added sweetness, while cashews or pecans are delicious nutty alternatives to almonds.
Is this salad gluten-free?
To make it gluten-free, be sure to use gluten-free soy sauce and verify that your chow mein noodles are gluten-free or omit them entirely. The rest of the ingredients are naturally gluten-free.
Final Thoughts
This Asian Chicken Cranberry Salad Recipe is a vibrant, flavorful way to enjoy a healthy, no-cook meal that still feels special and satisfying. The ease of preparation combined with its delightful combination of textures and tastes means it’s destined to become a staple in your recipe rotation. Give it a try and watch how quickly it becomes a favorite for lunches, dinners, and everything in between!
Print
Asian Chicken Cranberry Salad Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Salad
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: Asian-Inspired
Description
A refreshing and healthy Asian Chicken Cranberry Salad combining shredded chicken, crisp cabbage, sweet dried cranberries, and crunchy chow mein noodles, all tossed in a flavorful sesame-ginger dressing. Perfect for a light lunch or dinner, this no-cook salad is easy to prepare and bursting with vibrant textures and flavors.
Ingredients
Salad:
- 3 cups cooked chicken breast, shredded or chopped
- 4 cups shredded green cabbage or coleslaw mix
- 1 cup shredded carrots
- 1/2 cup sliced green onions
- 1/2 cup dried cranberries
- 1/4 cup sliced almonds
- 1/2 cup crunchy chow mein noodles
- 1 tbsp sesame seeds (optional)
Dressing:
- 1/4 cup rice vinegar
- 2 tbsp soy sauce
- 2 tbsp honey
- 1 tbsp sesame oil
- 1/4 cup vegetable oil
- 1 tsp grated fresh ginger
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Make the dressing: In a small bowl or jar, whisk together rice vinegar, soy sauce, honey, sesame oil, vegetable oil, grated fresh ginger, minced garlic, salt, and pepper until the mixture is well combined and smooth.
- Combine the salad ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, add the shredded or chopped cooked chicken breast, shredded green cabbage or coleslaw mix, shredded carrots, sliced green onions, dried cranberries, and sliced almonds.
- Toss with dressing: Pour the prepared dressing over the salad mixture and toss thoroughly to coat all ingredients evenly and infuse the flavors throughout.
- Add final toppings: Just before serving, sprinkle the crunchy chow mein noodles and sesame seeds (if using) on top to maintain their crisp texture.
- Serve: Serve the salad chilled or at room temperature for the best flavor and texture experience.
Notes
- This salad works great with store-bought rotisserie chicken for convenience.
- For extra flavor and color, consider adding mandarin orange segments or shelled edamame.
- Dressing can be made ahead and stored in the refrigerator for up to one week.
