There is something truly magical about the combination of crisp veggies, tender chicken, and a touch of sweet tartness that makes this Asian Chicken Cranberry Salad Recipe an absolute must-try. This salad brings together refreshing textures and vibrant flavors in every bite, highlighting the perfect balance between savory soy, nutty sesame, and the delightful pop of dried cranberries. Whether you’re looking for a quick lunch, a light dinner, or a conversation-starting dish to bring to a potluck, this salad delivers satisfaction with every forkful.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Preparing this Asian Chicken Cranberry Salad Recipe is a breeze thanks to its straightforward ingredients, each chosen to build layers of texture, color, and flavor that sing in harmony.
- 4 cups shredded cooked chicken breast: Use rotisserie chicken for an easy shortcut without sacrificing flavor.
- 6 cups chopped romaine lettuce: Adds crispness and freshness as the salad’s green base.
- 2 cups shredded napa cabbage: Brings a subtle crunch and mild sweetness.
- 1 cup shredded carrots: Provides a natural sweetness and vibrant color contrast.
- 1/2 cup sliced green onions: Injects a mild oniony zest that lifts the salad.
- 1/2 cup dried cranberries: Sweet with a hint of tartness, they brighten up every bite.
- 1/2 cup sliced almonds (toasted): Adds a toasty crunch and nutty depth.
- 1/4 cup sesame seeds (toasted): Infuses subtle nuttiness and texture.
- 1/2 cup crispy wonton strips (optional): For that irresistible extra crunch just before serving.
- 1/3 cup rice vinegar: The acidic backbone of the dressing, balancing flavors beautifully.
- 3 tablespoons soy sauce: Adds umami richness essential to the Asian flair.
- 2 tablespoons honey: Sweetness that ties all dressing components perfectly.
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil: Brings intense toasted sesame flavor.
- 1/2 cup olive oil: Smooths out the dressing with a light fruity richness.
- 1 tablespoon grated fresh ginger: A zingy, peppery kick that wakes up the palate.
- 1 clove garlic (minced): Adds depth and aroma.
- Salt and pepper to taste: Essential finishing touches to enhance every ingredient.
How to Make Asian Chicken Cranberry Salad Recipe
Step 1: Combine the Fresh Ingredients
Grab a spacious large bowl and toss together your shredded chicken, romaine lettuce, napa cabbage, shredded carrots, and sliced green onions. This mix builds the foundation of your salad with a vibrant blend of textures and colors.
Step 2: Add the Sweet and Crunchy Elements
Next up, sprinkle in the dried cranberries, toasted almonds, and toasted sesame seeds. These add a wonderful contrast—sweet bursts and a satisfying crunch that make every forkful exciting.
Step 3: Prepare the Zesty Dressing
In a separate bowl or a jar, whisk together the rice vinegar, soy sauce, honey, sesame oil, olive oil, grated ginger, and minced garlic. This dressing is the magic potion that brings the salad’s flavors together, marrying tang, sweetness, and umami in perfect harmony. Season it with salt and pepper according to your taste.
Step 4: Combine and Toss
Pour the dressing over the salad mixture and toss everything thoroughly until every ingredient is lovingly coated. If you’re opting to include crispy wonton strips, add them just before serving so they maintain their delicate crunch.
How to Serve Asian Chicken Cranberry Salad Recipe
Garnishes
For a little extra wow factor, garnish with freshly chopped cilantro, extra toasted sesame seeds, or even a few thinly sliced red chili rings to add a mild zing and color. These simple additions make the salad pop visually and flavor-wise.
Side Dishes
This salad pairs beautifully with light and fresh side dishes like miso soup, steamed edamame, or a small serving of jasmine rice. The balance of warm and cold, savory and sweet, will make your meal feel well-rounded and satisfying.
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving the salad in individual lettuce cups for a fun handheld treat at parties. Alternatively, layering the salad in a clear glass bowl can showcase the colorful ingredients beautifully, inviting everyone to dig in. Using a bamboo serving platter adds a lovely touch of authenticity to your presentation.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any leftovers from this Asian Chicken Cranberry Salad Recipe, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. For best results, keep the crispy wonton strips separate and add them fresh at serving time to maintain their crunch.
Freezing
Because of the fresh veggies and dressing, freezing this salad isn’t recommended as it can alter the texture and freshness dramatically. Instead, make this salad fresh for the best taste experience.
Reheating
This salad is best enjoyed cold or at room temperature. If you want to warm up the chicken before tossing, briefly microwave it separately, then assemble the salad right before serving to keep the veggies crisp.
FAQs
Can I use rotisserie chicken in this Asian Chicken Cranberry Salad Recipe?
Absolutely! Rotisserie chicken is a fantastic shortcut that adds flavor and saves prep time without compromising the taste.
What can I substitute for sesame oil if I don’t have any?
If you don’t have sesame oil, you can use a light drizzle of toasted walnut or peanut oil for a different but still nutty flavor profile, though it will change the taste slightly.
Is there a vegetarian version of this salad?
Yes! Simply omit the chicken and add extra crunchy veggies like bell peppers or edamame, or swap in pan-fried tofu for a hearty vegetarian option.
Can I make this salad gluten-free?
Definitely. Use tamari instead of soy sauce to keep the dressing gluten-free, and ensure your crispy wonton strips are either gluten-free or omitted.
How long will this salad keep fresh in the fridge?
For the best flavor and texture, enjoy the salad within 2 days of making it. The veggies will stay crisp longer if stored properly, but the dressing might soften the greens over time.
Final Thoughts
This Asian Chicken Cranberry Salad Recipe is a delightful combination of flavors and textures that’s sure to become a family favorite. Its simplicity in preparation and complexity in taste make it a winner for any occasion. I can’t wait for you to try this vibrant salad and experience the perfect balance of sweet, savory, and crunchy that keeps people coming back for more!
Print
Asian Chicken Cranberry Salad Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Salad
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: Asian-Inspired
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
This vibrant Asian Chicken Cranberry Salad combines tender shredded chicken with crisp romaine, napa cabbage, and shredded carrots, tossed with a flavorful dressing of rice vinegar, soy sauce, honey, and sesame oil. Toasted almonds and sesame seeds add a delightful crunch, while dried cranberries provide a sweet contrast. Quick to prepare and naturally gluten-free (when using tamari), this salad is perfect for a healthy lunch or light dinner with a refreshing Asian-inspired twist.
Ingredients
Salad
- 4 cups shredded cooked chicken breast
- 6 cups chopped romaine lettuce
- 2 cups shredded napa cabbage
- 1 cup shredded carrots
- 1/2 cup sliced green onions
- 1/2 cup dried cranberries
- 1/2 cup sliced almonds (toasted)
- 1/4 cup sesame seeds (toasted)
- 1/2 cup crispy wonton strips (optional)
Dressing
- 1/3 cup rice vinegar
- 3 tablespoons soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 1/2 cup olive oil
- 1 tablespoon grated fresh ginger
- 1 clove garlic (minced)
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the salad base: In a large bowl, combine the shredded chicken, chopped romaine lettuce, shredded napa cabbage, shredded carrots, sliced green onions, dried cranberries, toasted almonds, and toasted sesame seeds. This mix creates the hearty foundation of the salad with a variety of textures and flavors.
- Add wonton strips (optional): If using, add the crispy wonton strips just before serving to maintain their crunchiness and prevent them from becoming soggy.
- Make the dressing: In a separate bowl or jar, whisk together the rice vinegar, soy sauce, honey, sesame oil, olive oil, grated fresh ginger, and minced garlic until well combined. This dressing balances tangy, sweet, and savory notes with a hint of freshness from the ginger and garlic.
- Season the dressing: Taste the dressing and add salt and pepper as needed to suit your preference.
- Toss and serve: Pour the dressing over the salad and toss thoroughly until all ingredients are evenly coated with the dressing. Serve the salad immediately for best texture and flavor.
Notes
- Use rotisserie chicken for a quick and easy shortcut.
- Add mandarin oranges or edamame for additional flavor and texture variations.
- For a vegetarian version, omit the chicken and substitute with tofu or extra vegetables.
- To make the recipe gluten-free, use tamari instead of traditional soy sauce.
- Toast almonds and sesame seeds lightly in a dry skillet over medium heat to enhance their flavor before adding to the salad.
