Asian Chicken Cranberry Salad

Why You’ll Love This Asian Chicken Cranberry Salad

How to Make It

Making this Asian Chicken Cranberry Salad is a delightful and straightforward process that you can easily tackle, whether you’re a seasoned chef or a beginner in the kitchen.

Start by gathering all your ingredients and prepping them. If you’re using fresh chicken, cook it until it’s tender and then shred or dice it into bite-sized pieces.

If you’re using store-bought rotisserie chicken, that works just as well and saves time.

While you’re at it, finely chop your red cabbage and shred some carrots for a nice crunch. Don’t forget to chop your green onions and have your dried cranberries and sliced almonds ready. These elements come together beautifully to create a symphony of flavors and textures.

Next, let’s focus on the dressing. In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, rice vinegar, sesame oil, honey, grated ginger, and minced garlic. This dressing is the star of the show, adding a tangy, slightly sweet, and aromatic touch to the salad.

Once your dressing is ready, it’s time to assemble the salad. In a large mixing bowl, combine your mixed greens, shredded chicken, dried cranberries, shredded carrots, chopped green onions, and sliced almonds.

Gently toss everything together to ensure all the ingredients are evenly distributed. Then, drizzle the dressing over the salad and toss again to coat all the ingredients evenly.

Finally, sprinkle some sesame seeds on top for an extra touch of crunch and flavor.

Your Asian Chicken Cranberry Salad is now ready to be enjoyed. It’s a perfect blend of sweet, tangy, and savory, making it a delightful meal for any time of the day.

 

Assembling the Salad

1. Combine Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine mixed greens, shredded chicken, dried cranberries, shredded carrots, green onions, and sliced almonds. Gently toss everything together to mix evenly.
2. Add the Dressing: Pour the prepared dressing over the salad and toss gently to coat all the ingredients evenly. Be careful not to over-mix, as you want to keep the ingredients intact.
3. Garnish: Sprinkle sesame seeds on top before serving for added crunch and visual appeal.

Make Ahead Method

Preparing Ingredients in Advance

1. Cook and Shred the Chicken: If you’re using fresh chicken, cook it until it’s tender and then shred or dice it into bite-sized pieces. Rotisserie chicken is a convenient option that saves time and effort. Once shredded, store the chicken in an airtight container in the fridge.
2. Chop and Store Vegetables: Finely chop your red cabbage and shred some carrots for a nice crunch. These veggies add a vibrant color and texture to the salad. Store them in separate airtight containers to keep them fresh and crisp.
3. Prepare the Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, rice vinegar, sesame oil, honey, grated ginger, and minced garlic. This dressing is the star of the show, adding a tangy, slightly sweet, and aromatic touch to the salad. Store the dressing in a small jar or airtight container in the fridge.

Assembling the Salad

1. Combine Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, add mixed greens, shredded chicken, dried cranberries, shredded carrots, chopped green onions, and sliced almonds. Gently toss everything together to mix evenly.
2. Add the Dressing: Pour the prepared dressing over the salad and toss gently to coat all the ingredients evenly. Be careful not to over-mix, as you want to keep the ingredients intact.
3. Garnish: Sprinkle sesame seeds on top before serving for added crunch and visual appeal.

Storing the Salad

• Airtight Container: Store the salad in an airtight container to prevent it from drying out.
• Separate Dressing: If you’re storing the salad for more than a day, consider keeping the dressing separate and adding it just before serving. This will prevent the salad from getting soggy.
• Layering: Place a layer of paper towels at the bottom of the container to absorb any excess moisture.

Pro Tips

Quality Ingredients

• Fresh Chicken: Use fresh, high-quality chicken for the best flavor. Rotisserie chicken is a convenient option that saves time and effort.
• Crisp Vegetables: Choose crisp, fresh vegetables for the best texture. Diced red cabbage and shredded carrots add a nice crunch.
• Sweet Cranberries: Dried cranberries add a burst of sweetness. Look for high-quality cranberries without added sugar.

Enhancing Flavors

• Toast the Almonds: Toasting the sliced almonds for a few minutes will enhance their flavor and add extra crunch.
• Adjust the Sweetness: Add more or less honey to the dressing depending on your preference for sweetness.
• Fresh Herbs: Adding a handful of fresh cilantro or mint can elevate the flavors even more.

Customization

• Add Mandarin Oranges: Add a handful of mandarin orange segments for a sweet and tangy twist.
• Spicy Kick: Add a sprinkle of crushed red pepper flakes or a drizzle of sriracha to the dressing for a spicy version.
• Fruit Twist: For a unique twist, add fresh orange slices, mandarin segments, or even diced mango to the salad for a juicy burst of flavor.
• Noodle Addition: Make this a noodle salad by tossing in cooked rice noodles or soba noodles, which will absorb the dressing and add a satisfying chew.
• Lower-Carb Option: Swap the dried cranberries for fresh pomegranate seeds, which have a lower sugar content and add a bright pop of color and flavor.

Presentation

• Layering: When serving, layer the salad ingredients in a bowl or on a plate for a visually appealing presentation. This not only looks nice but also helps in mixing the ingredients evenly when you dig in.
• Garnish: Garnish with a sprinkle of fresh herbs or a drizzle of extra dressing for a finishing touch.

Storage Options

• Storage: Store any leftover salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Note that the greens may wilt if dressed, so it’s best to add the dressing right before serving.
• Dressing Storage: The dressing will keep in a sealed jar in the refrigerator for up to a week. Just shake or stir before using, as the ingredients may separate over time.

Tools For This Recipe

• Cutting Board and Knife: For chopping the vegetables and chicken.
• Mixing Bowl: A large bowl to toss everything together.
• Measuring Cups and Spoons: To ensure the right balance of ingredients.
• Whisk or Fork: To mix the dressing ingredients.
• Airtight Containers: For storing the salad and dressing.

FAQs!

Can I use a different type of protein?

How long does this salad stay fresh?

Can I make the dressing ahead of time?

Variations and Substitutions

• Vegetarian Option: Swap the chicken for crispy tofu or edamame to keep the protein while making it vegetarian-friendly.
• Spicy Kick: If you like heat, add a teaspoon of sriracha or a sprinkle of red pepper flakes to the dressing for a spicy twist.
• Fruit Twist: For a unique twist, add fresh orange slices, mandarin segments, or even diced mango to the salad for a juicy burst of flavor.

• Noodle Addition: Make this a noodle salad by tossing in cooked rice noodles or soba noodles, which will absorb the dressing and add a satisfying chew.
• Lower-Carb Option: Swap the dried cranberries for fresh pomegranate seeds, which have a lower sugar content and add a bright pop of color and flavor.

Asian Chicken Cranberry Salad

This Asian Chicken Cranberry Salad is a quick, healthy, and delicious meal option. It combines shredded chicken, fresh greens, crunchy almonds, and sweet dried cranberries, creating a perfect balance of flavors and textures. The tangy, slightly sweet dressing with a hint of sesame is the ideal finishing touch.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 20 minutes mins

Total Time 20 minutes mins

Course Salad

Cuisine Asian

Servings 4 people

Ingredients

  

• 2 cups cooked chicken breast shredded
• 4 cups mixed greens
• 1 cup shredded carrots
• 1 cup shredded red cabbage
• 1/2 cup dried cranberries
• 1/2 cup sliced almonds or chopped peanuts
• 1/4 cup green onions chopped
• 1/4 cup sesame seeds
• 3 tbsp soy sauce
• 2 tbsp rice vinegar
• 1 tbsp sesame oil
• 1 tbsp honey or maple syrup
• 1 tsp fresh ginger grated
• 1 clove garlic minced
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

 

• Cook the Chicken: If you’re using fresh chicken, cook it until it’s tender and then shred or dice it into bite-sized pieces. Rotisserie chicken is a convenient option that saves time and effort. Once shredded, store the chicken in an airtight container in the fridge.
• Chop the Vegetables: Finely chop your red cabbage and shred some carrots for a nice crunch. These veggies add a vibrant color and texture to the salad. Store them in separate airtight containers to keep them fresh and crisp.
• Prepare the Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, rice vinegar, sesame oil, honey, grated ginger, and minced garlic. This dressing is the star of the show, adding a tangy, slightly sweet, and aromatic touch to the salad. Store the dressing in a small jar or airtight container in the fridge.
• Combine Salad Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, add mixed greens, shredded chicken, dried cranberries, shredded carrots, chopped green onions, and sliced almonds. Gently toss everything together to mix evenly.
• Add the Dressing: Pour the prepared dressing over the salad and toss gently to coat all the ingredients evenly. Be careful not to over-mix, as you want to keep the ingredients intact.
• Garnish: Sprinkle sesame seeds on top before serving for added crunch and visual appeal.
• Taste and Adjust: Give your salad a taste and adjust the seasoning if needed. You might want to add a bit more salt, pepper, or honey to suit your taste.
• Serve: Transfer the salad to a serving dish or individual plates. Garnish with a sprinkle of fresh herbs or a drizzle of extra dressing for a finishing touch.
• Enjoy: Serve immediately and enjoy your delicious Asian Chicken Cranberry Salad! It’s perfect for a light lunch, a healthy dinner, or even a nutritious snack.

Notes

Nutritional Information per Serving

Here’s the detailed nutritional information for the Asian Chicken Cranberry Salad, based on the recipe and variations discussed:

Per Serving (4 servings)
Calories: 420 kcal
Protein: 30g
Carbohydrates: 28g
Fat: 20g
Fiber: 6g

Breakdown of Key Nutrients

Chicken: Provides lean protein, essential for muscle growth and repair. It’s also rich in vitamins B6 and B12, which support energy metabolism.

Cranberries: Full of antioxidants, cranberries help support urinary tract health and boost the immune system.

Mixed Greens: Packed with fiber and essential vitamins A, C, and K, mixed greens provide vital nutrients that support immune health, skin health, and overall well-being.

Carrots: A great source of beta-carotene, which is converted into vitamin A in the body, contributing to healthy vision and skin.

Almonds: Rich in healthy fats, fiber, and protein, almonds support heart health and aid in weight management.

Mandarin Oranges: These citrus fruits are bursting with vitamin C, which supports the immune system and helps with the absorption of iron.

Cilantro: Known for its detoxifying properties, cilantro is a refreshing herb that also provides antioxidants and anti-inflammatory benefits.

Dressing Nutritional Contribution

Soy Sauce: Provides essential minerals and adds a savory flavor.
Rice Vinegar: Adds a tangy flavor without overwhelming the dressing.
Sesame Oil: Rich in monounsaturated fats, beneficial for heart health.
Honey or Maple Syrup: Adds a bit of sweetness to round out the dressing.
Ginger and Garlic: Known for their medicinal properties, offering immune-boosting benefits.

This salad is a balanced meal in itself, offering a range of nutrients essential for a healthy body. Its combination of proteins, healthy fats, vitamins, and minerals makes it an excellent choice for those seeking a nutritious yet delicious meal option.