Asian Chicken Cranberry Salad is one of my faves and has a great balance between the hearty chicken and crunchy almonds and crunchy veggies blended with the sweet and tangy cranberries and dressing. With a hint of warming sesame oil and ginger, the soy-ginger dressing provides an authentic touch.

It’s versatile — good for a light lunch or refreshing dinner — and can be accompanied by extra sides such as a small bowl of miso soup or crispy wonton strips for extra crunch. Have fun with this colorful, nutrient-dense salad!

Reasons You’ll Love This Asian Chicken Cranberry Salad

Easy to Make – This salad mixes up in minutes using cooked chicken and fresh veggies.
Perfect Balance of Flavors – The sweetness of the dried cranberries mingles with the tangy sesame ginger dressing perfectly.
Nutritious – This salad is a healthy option, full of lean protein, fiber, and myriad vitamins.
Adaptable – This recipe is easy to adjust, whether you like crunchy nuts or a spicier dressing.

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Key Ingredients

To help you make the most of each of these ingredients, below are some tips and tricks to get the best results.

For the Salad

Chicken – A rotisserie chicken works beautifully here, particularly if you’re pressed for time. It’s tender when shredded or cut into cubes and absorbs the flavors of the dressing. It works well with leftover grilled chicken or even poached chicken breasts.
Mixed Greens – This recipe uses a variety of greens like spinach, arugula, and romaine, which add all sorts of flavors and textures. For some crunch, you could gild the lily with shredded iceberg or even napa cabbage.
Carrots and Red Cabbage – Add crunch and color with these veggies. They’re also packed with vitamins A and C. Cut them thin so they’re evenly dispersed through the salad.
Dried Cranberries – These little bites of sweetness are crucial for cutting the savory and tangy notes of the dressing. If cranberries do not appeal to you, use dried cherries or raisins.
Almonds or Peanuts – Nuts add crunchy texture, as well as healthy fats. Almonds are neutral, and peanuts lend a stronger taste. You could even use cashews for a buttery twist!
Green Onions – Green onions add a mild and fresh bite, enhancing the other flavors without overshadowing them.

For the Dressing

Soy Sauce – If you want to control how salty it is, choose a low-sodium soy sauce. Tamari is a good gluten-free substitute.
Rice Vinegar – This mild vinegar imparts a tangy flavor without overwhelming the dressing. If you don’t have rice vinegar, use apple cider vinegar instead.
Sesame Oil – You only need a small amount! Toasted sesame oil boosts the dressing with its toasty, nutty flavor.
Honey or Maple Syrup – This touch of sweetness balances out the dressing. Either honey or maple syrup is fine here, so use whichever you prefer or have in your pantry.
Ginger and Garlic – Fresh ginger and garlic really take the dressing up a notch. They bring a touch of spice and warmth that pairs nicely with the other ingredients.

The full list of ingredients with amounts and instructions is at the bottom on the actual recipe card.

Instructions

Step 1: Make the Salad Base

In a big salad bowl, toss together:

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 create a colorful, nutrient-rich foundation for your salad.

Step 2: Add the Chicken

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

Step 3: Prepare the Sesame Ginger Dressing

In a small bowl, whisk together the following:

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 well combined; leave nothing behind. Season with salt and pepper, to taste.

Step 4: Dress the Salad

Add the dressing to the salad ingredients.
Gently toss to coat the salad in the dressing.

Step 5: Serve

If you want maximum freshness, serve the salad immediately or refrigerate it for up to 2 hours, which gives the flavors a chance to meld.
Hope you enjoy this bright and salty salad!

Serving Suggestions

This Asian Chicken Cranberry Salad is filling on its own, but here are some suggestions to complete your meal:

Pair with Soup – A broth-y soup, such as miso or vegetable, would round out this salad nicely.
Add Rice or Noodles on the Side – A scoop of jasmine rice or chilled soba noodles completes the meal.
Pair with Fresh Fruit – A side of orange slices or a few apple wedges adds extra freshness and plays nicely with the flavors of the salad.
Salad Pairing with a Refreshing Drink – This salad goes well with green or iced jasmine tea or sparkling water with lemon and ginger.

Storage and Meal Prep Tips

This salad would also be a good option for meal prep, since many ingredients keep well in the fridge.

Storage

Any leftover salad can be stored, covered, in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
Note that the greens will wilt if they sit dressed, so it’s best to dress them just before serving.

Make-Ahead Tips

When making this salad ahead, keep the dressing separate.
Toss the greens with the chicken and veggies, then stir in the cranberries and nuts just before serving for the most crunch and freshness.

Dressing Storage

The dressing can be stored in a sealed jar in the refrigerator for up to a week.
Just shake or stir before using, since the ingredients may separate over time.

Variations

This salad is flexible, easy to tailor to your taste or diet. Here are some fun alternatives:

Vegetarian Option – Swap out the chicken for crispy tofu or edamame to keep the protein.
Spicy Kick – Add 1 teaspoon of sriracha or a pinch of red pepper flakes to the dressing for a spicy twist.
Fruit Twist – Add fresh orange slices, mandarin segments, or diced mango for a burst of juiciness.
Add Noodles – Stir in cooked rice noodles or soba noodles for a noodle salad variation that soaks up the dressing beautifully.
Lower-Carb Alternative – Substitute fresh pomegranate seeds for the dried cranberries, which have less sugar and add a bright crunch of color and flavor.

Conclusion

This Asian Chicken Cranberry Salad is my go-to recipe for days when you’re in the mood for something light, colorful, and filling. The juicy chicken, crispy vegetables, and sweet-tart cranberries add deliciousness to every bite, and the sesame ginger dressing pulls it all together.

Whether you’re prepping for a week of meals or scrambling to put together a quick dinner for the family, this salad will add a refreshing, flavorful change of pace at your table.