Asian Chicken Cranberry Salad is a perfect blend of textures and flavors, combining the savory chicken, crunchy almonds, and crisp veggies with the sweet and tangy cranberries and dressing. The soy-ginger dressing adds an authentic touch with a hint of warmth from the sesame oil and ginger.

It’s a versatile dish, great as a light lunch or refreshing dinner, and pairs well with additional sides like a small bowl of miso soup or crispy wonton strips for added crunch. Enjoy this vibrant, nutrient-packed salad!

Why You’ll Love This Asian Chicken Cranberry Salad:

Easy to Prepare: With cooked chicken and fresh veggies, this salad comes together in minutes.
Balanced Flavors: The dried cranberries bring a subtle sweetness that pairs beautifully with the tangy sesame ginger dressing.
Packed with Nutrition: Loaded with lean protein, fiber, and a variety of vitamins, this salad is a wholesome choice.
Customizable: Whether you’re a fan of crunchy nuts or prefer a spicier dressing, there are plenty of ways to adapt this recipe.

Key Ingredients:

To make the most of each ingredient, here are some tips and tricks to help you achieve the best results.

For the Salad

Chicken: Rotisserie chicken is an excellent choice here, especially if you’re short on time. Shredded or cubed, it’s tender and takes on the flavors of the dressing well. Feel free to use leftover grilled chicken or even poached chicken breasts.
Mixed Greens: This recipe calls for a mix of greens like spinach, arugula, and romaine, which offer a range of flavors and textures. For a bit of extra crunch, you could add shredded iceberg or even napa cabbage.
Carrots and Red Cabbage: These colorful veggies add a satisfying crunch and a burst of color. They’re also loaded with vitamins A and C. Slice them thinly for even distribution throughout the salad.
Dried Cranberries: These little bites of sweetness are essential for balancing the savory and tangy notes of the dressing. If cranberries aren’t your favorite, try dried cherries or raisins.
Almonds or Peanuts: Adding nuts provides both texture and healthy fats. Almonds are mild, while peanuts add a slightly stronger flavor. You could also try cashews for a buttery twist!
Green Onions: Green onions provide a mild, fresh bite that complements the other flavors without overpowering them.

For the Dressing

Soy Sauce: Choose a low-sodium soy sauce if you want to control the saltiness. Tamari is a good gluten-free alternative.
Rice Vinegar: This mild vinegar adds a tangy flavor without overwhelming the dressing. If you’re out of rice vinegar, apple cider vinegar works as a substitute.
Sesame Oil: A little goes a long way! Toasted sesame oil has a rich, nutty flavor that enhances the dressing.
Honey or Maple Syrup: This bit of sweetness rounds out the dressing. Either honey or maple syrup works well, so feel free to use your favorite or whatever you have on hand.
Ginger and Garlic: Fresh ginger and garlic make the dressing pop with flavor. They add a bit of spice and warmth that complements the other ingredients beautifully.

Complete list of ingredients with quantities and instructions is located in the recipe card below

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Salad Base

In a large salad bowl, combine:
Mixed greens
1/2 cup shredded carrots
1/2 cup shredded red cabbage
1/4 cup dried cranberries
1/4 cup sliced almonds
2 sliced green onions

These ingredients form a colorful, nutritious base for your salad.

Step 2: Add the Chicken

Add 1-2 cups of cooked, shredded or cubed chicken to the salad bowl.
Gently toss to combine with the greens and vegetables for even distribution.

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Step 3: Make the Sesame Ginger Dressing

In a small bowl, whisk together the dressing ingredients:
2 tablespoons soy sauce
2 tablespoons rice vinegar
1 tablespoon sesame oil
1 tablespoon honey
1 teaspoon grated ginger
1 clove minced garlic

Whisk until the ingredients are fully blended. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Step 4: Dress the Salad

Pour the dressing over the salad ingredients.
Toss the salad gently, ensuring all ingredients are evenly coated with the dressing.

Step 5: Serve

Serve the salad immediately for maximum freshness, or refrigerate it for up to 2 hours to allow the flavors to meld. Enjoy this refreshing and savory salad!

Serving Suggestions:

This Asian Chicken Cranberry Salad is satisfying on its own, but here are some ideas to round out your meal:

Serve with Soup: A light soup, like miso or vegetable, would complement this salad perfectly.
Add a Side of Rice or Noodles: A small side of jasmine rice or chilled soba noodles makes for a complete meal.
Pair with Fresh Fruit: A side of orange slices or a few apple wedges brings extra freshness and pairs beautifully with the salad’s flavors.
Refreshing Drink Pairing: Try pairing this salad with a green tea, iced jasmine tea, or sparkling water infused with lemon and ginger.

Storage and Meal Prep Tips:

This salad is a great choice for meal prepping, as many ingredients hold up well in the fridge.

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.
Make-Ahead Tips: If you’re preparing this salad in advance, store the dressing separately. Assemble the greens, chicken, and veggies, then add the cranberries and nuts just before serving for maximum crunch and freshness.
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.

Variations:

This salad is flexible, making it easy to customize based on your taste or dietary preferences. Here are a few fun variations:

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.

Conclusion:

This Asian Chicken Cranberry Salad is a go-to recipe for days when you crave something healthy, vibrant, and filling. The juicy chicken, crunchy vegetables, and sweet-tart cranberries make every bite a delight, and the sesame ginger dressing ties it all together. Whether you’re meal prepping for the week or putting together a quick family dinner, this salad will bring a refreshing, flavorful change to your table.