Description
This Asian Chicken Cranberry Salad is a vibrant, healthy dish combining shredded chicken, fresh vegetables, dried cranberries, and a tangy Asian-inspired dressing. Perfect for a quick lunch or light dinner, it delivers a satisfying crunch and a balance of sweet and savory flavors with minimal preparation and no cooking required.
Ingredients
Scale
Salad
- 2 cups cooked, shredded chicken breast
- 4 cups shredded napa cabbage or coleslaw mix
- 1 cup shredded carrots
- 1/2 red bell pepper, thinly sliced
- 1/2 cup sliced green onions
- 1/2 cup dried cranberries
- 1/4 cup sliced almonds
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
- 1 tablespoon sesame seeds (optional)
Dressing
- 1/4 cup rice vinegar
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce or tamari
- 1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger
- 1 garlic clove, minced
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Combine Salad Ingredients: In a large bowl, mix the shredded chicken, napa cabbage or coleslaw mix, shredded carrots, sliced red bell pepper, sliced green onions, dried cranberries, sliced almonds, chopped cilantro, and sesame seeds if using, ensuring all ingredients are evenly distributed.
- Prepare Dressing: In a separate small bowl or jar, whisk together rice vinegar, soy sauce or tamari, honey or maple syrup, sesame oil, olive oil, grated fresh ginger, minced garlic, and a pinch of salt and pepper until the dressing is well emulsified and flavorful.
- Toss Salad with Dressing: Pour the dressing over the salad mixture and toss thoroughly so every ingredient is coated evenly, which helps the flavors blend beautifully together.
- Marinate and Serve: Let the salad sit for 10 to 15 minutes at room temperature or chilled before serving to allow the flavors to meld. Serve the salad chilled or at room temperature for the best taste and texture.
Notes
- Rotisserie chicken works great for convenience and flavor.
- You can substitute almonds with cashews or sunflower seeds for a different nutty crunch.
- For extra texture, add crispy wonton strips just before serving to maintain their crispness.
