If you are craving a salad that perfectly balances savory, sweet, and fresh flavors, you have got to try this Asian Chicken Cranberry Salad Recipe. It’s a vibrant mix of tender chicken, crisp veggies, tart dried cranberries, and a luscious sesame dressing that all come together to create a refreshing dish bursting with color and texture. Whether you’re looking for a light lunch, a crowd-pleasing side, or a wholesome dinner, this salad is wonderfully versatile and will make you excited to eat greens again.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Asian Chicken Cranberry Salad Recipe relies on simple but essential ingredients, each chosen to bring a unique taste, texture, or splash of color. The harmony between crunchy veggies, juicy chicken, bright cranberries, and nutty dressing makes it truly special.
- Cooked chicken (2 cups): Organic chicken works best and should be shredded or diced for easy eating.
- Fresh spinach (1 cup): Chopped to add a tender, leafy base that’s packed with nutrients.
- Red cabbage (1 cup): Shredded for crunch and a beautiful hint of purple.
- Carrots (1/2 cup): Grated to infuse a subtle sweetness and vibrant orange color.
- Celery (1/2 cup): Diced to give a refreshing, crisp bite.
- Green onions (1/2 cup): Thinly sliced to add mild sharpness and a burst of green.
- Dried cranberries (1/2 cup): Tart sweetness that balances the savory notes perfectly.
- Sliced almonds (1/4 cup, optional): For an irresistible crunch and a nutty undertone.
- Cilantro (1/4 cup): Fresh and chopped, this herb brightens the entire salad with a hint of citrusy flavor.
- Sesame dressing (1/2 cup): The heart of the salad, creamy with a toasted, nutty profile.
- Salt and pepper: Essential to season and bring out all the flavors.
How to Make Asian Chicken Cranberry Salad Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken
Start by grilling, baking, or poaching your chicken until it’s cooked through; this usually takes about 15-20 minutes depending on your method. Make sure to let it cool before shredding or dicing into bite-sized pieces. This tender protein foundation makes the salad satisfying and hearty.
Step 2: Combine the Vegetables
In a large mixing bowl, toss together the chopped spinach, shredded red cabbage, grated carrots, diced celery, and sliced green onions. These fresh ingredients create a fantastic medley of textures ranging from tender to crisp, as well as a colorful base that instantly brightens the plate.
Step 3: Add Chicken and Cranberries
Next, gently fold in the shredded chicken and dried cranberries. The cranberries’ tartness beautifully cuts through the savory chicken and crunchy vegetables, adding a burst of sweetness that keeps every bite interesting.
Step 4: Dress the Salad
Pour the sesame dressing over the entire salad. Start with half the amount first, then add more if you want it creamier. The sesame dressing is what brings the Asian-inspired flavors to life — rich, nutty, and slightly sweet.
Step 5: Season and Toss
Sprinkle salt and pepper to taste, then toss everything gently to ensure every ingredient gets coated with that delicious dressing. Be tender with the toss to keep the crunchy bits from wilting but thorough enough that flavors mix evenly.
Step 6: Add Final Touches
Sprinkle the sliced almonds and chopped cilantro on top, giving the salad a final, gentle toss. These garnishes add crunch and a fresh herbal lift that finishes the salad beautifully.
Step 7: Chill or Serve
You can enjoy the salad right away, but for the best flavor experience, chill it for about 30 minutes so all the ingredients can mingle and the dressing can soak in perfectly.
How to Serve Asian Chicken Cranberry Salad Recipe
Garnishes
Feel free to add extra sliced almonds, a sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds, or even some thinly sliced fresh chili if you like a touch of heat. These finishing touches take the salad from fantastic to unforgettable.
Side Dishes
This salad pairs wonderfully with light, complementary sides like steamed jasmine rice, spring rolls, or even a simple bowl of miso soup. These dishes help balance the flavors and create a well-rounded meal.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve the salad in crisp lettuce cups or hollowed-out bell peppers. You can also layer it in a clear glass bowl to show off the vibrant colors or skewer the chicken and veggies for a deconstructed salad experience.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
You can keep any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To maintain the best texture, store the almonds and dressing separately and add them fresh when ready to serve again.
Freezing
This salad is best enjoyed fresh and is not recommended for freezing due to the fresh vegetables and dressing, which may become watery or lose their crispness when thawed.
Reheating
If you want to enjoy this salad warm, consider heating the chicken portion separately and then combining it with the fresh vegetables and dressing after reheating. This keeps the veggies crisp and the flavors vibrant.
FAQs
Can I use rotisserie chicken for this salad?
Absolutely! Rotisserie chicken is a fantastic shortcut that adds great flavor and saves time, making your Asian Chicken Cranberry Salad Recipe even easier to whip up on busy days.
What if I don’t have sesame dressing?
You can easily substitute with a mixture of soy sauce, rice vinegar, a bit of honey or sugar, and toasted sesame oil. Whisk together until balanced to mimic the creamy, nutty dressing described in this recipe.
Is this salad suitable for meal prep?
Yes, but store components like the dressing and almonds separately until you’re ready to eat to keep the salad fresh and crunchy throughout the week.
Can I add other nuts instead of almonds?
Definitely! Cashews, pecans, or even chopped peanuts work well and add a delightful crunch and a slightly different flavor profile to the salad.
How spicy is the salad?
This recipe is naturally mild but packed with flavor. You can always add chili flakes or sliced fresh chilies if you prefer a kick of spice to complement the sweet and savory elements.
Final Thoughts
The Asian Chicken Cranberry Salad Recipe is a true celebration of fresh, vibrant ingredients and delightful contrasts in flavor and texture. It’s the kind of dish you’ll want to share with family and friends, whether for a quick weeknight meal or a special occasion. Grab these ingredients, toss everything together, and enjoy a colorful, nutritious bite of happiness that never gets old.
Print
Asian Chicken Cranberry Salad Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes (if cooking chicken fresh)
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Salad
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: Asian
- Diet: Low Fat
Description
A vibrant and healthy Asian Chicken Cranberry Salad featuring shredded chicken, fresh vegetables, and a flavorful sesame dressing. This salad combines crunchy greens, sweet dried cranberries, and nuts for texture, making it perfect for a light lunch or dinner.
Ingredients
Salad Ingredients
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded or diced (Use organic chicken for best flavor.)
- 1 cup fresh spinach, chopped
- 1 cup red cabbage, shredded
- 1/2 cup carrots, grated
- 1/2 cup celery, diced
- 1/2 cup green onions, sliced
- 1/2 cup dried cranberries
- 1/4 cup sliced almonds (Optional, for crunch.)
- 1/4 cup cilantro, chopped (Fresh cilantro adds flavor.)
Dressing & Seasoning
- 1/2 cup sesame dressing (Adjust amount to taste.)
- Salt and pepper, to taste (Season to enhance flavor.)
Instructions
- Preparation: If the chicken is not already cooked, grill, bake, or poach it until fully cooked, then shred or dice into bite-sized pieces to ensure easy mixing and eating.
- Combine Vegetables: In a large bowl, mix together the chopped fresh spinach, shredded red cabbage, grated carrots, diced celery, and sliced green onions to create a colorful salad base.
- Add Chicken and Cranberries: Incorporate the shredded chicken and dried cranberries into the vegetable mixture to add protein and a hint of sweetness.
- Add Dressing: Pour the sesame dressing over the salad ingredients, adjusting the amount to your preferred level of flavor.
- Season and Toss: Season the salad with salt and pepper to taste. Toss gently to combine all ingredients and ensure the dressing evenly coats the salad.
- Add Crunch and Herbs: Sprinkle the optional sliced almonds and chopped cilantro over the top of the salad. Give the salad another gentle toss to distribute these final touches.
- Serve or Chill: Serve the salad immediately for freshness, or refrigerate for about 30 minutes to let the flavors meld and intensify before serving.
Notes
- You can use leftover cooked chicken to save time.
- Adjust the amount of sesame dressing depending on your taste preferences for creaminess and flavor intensity.
- For a gluten-free option, ensure the sesame dressing does not contain soy sauce with gluten.
- To make it vegan, substitute chicken with tofu or chickpeas and select a vegan sesame dressing.
- The salad can be kept refrigerated in an airtight container for up to 2 days; add almonds just before serving to retain crunch.
